7 Myths of Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.

Myth: Asthma is present only when you face trouble in breathing. #

Fact #

• Asthma is a disease that is difficult to identify.

• Even without visible symptoms, there is a chance of underlying inflammation in the airways of people with asthma.

• Asthma exists even when symptoms are not visible.

• Asthma needs to be controlled by regularly consuming controller medicines and avoiding asthma triggers.

Myth: Steroids used in asthma are dangerous and these steroids will stunt growth. #

Fact #

• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred treatment for persistent asthma.

• When used at recommended doses for most patients, the benefits of ICS outweigh the risks. These steroids are not similar to the anabolic steroids used by athletes build muscle.

• Inhaled corticosteroids do not hinder a child’s growth.

• Studies have shown that children using inhaled corticosteroids reach normal adult height, although it may cause some delays in their growth early on.

• A child suffering from asthma symptoms regularly may experience stunted growth.

• This is due to the fact that a sick child will not grow at the same rate as a good child.

Myth: Inhalers are addictive, unsafe and cause many side-effects. #

Fact #

• Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is highly effective in reducing inflammation of airways, improving pulmonary functions, easing asthma symptoms and reducing asthma exacerbations.

• Its regular use has been associated with substantial reduction in the rates of hospital admissions and rate of deaths from asthma.

• Unfortunately, in India, almost 80% of asthma patients consume oral medications due to the stigma associated with inhalers.

• Oral medications lead to more side effects and are required in large dosage in comparison to inhalers, which are more effective.

Myth: Asthmatic children should not play sports or be active. #

Fact #

• Sports and other forms of activity are just as important for someone with asthma as they are for someone without asthma.

• It is important to control a child’s asthma and make sure they follow the guidelines set by their doctor to take controller medications, as well as ensure that they take medications before the sports activity.

• They should be aware of an action plan to help prevent asthma attacks.

Myth: Asthma only affects kids, and then they grow out of it. #

Fact #

• Asthma often begins during childhood, but it affects people of all ages.

• Many people think that kids grow out of asthma, but this isn’t exactly true.

• Many people who have asthma as children get better as they get older, but the symptoms may worsen again in adulthood.

Myth: Your child only needs to take asthma medicine during an asthma attack. #

Fact #

• There are medications called quick-relief, or rescue, medicines that only need to be taken during an asthma attack.

• However, if your child’s doctor prescribes a controller medication, be sure your child takes it as directed.

• Controller medicines help reduce inflammation in the airway to keep an asthma attack from happening in the first place.

• Most controller medicines work best if your child takes them every day, even on days he or she isn’t having symptoms.

Myth: You can treat asthma with dietary supplements. #

Fact #

• There’s little to no evidence that any dietary or herbal supplements have any effect on asthma symptoms.

• However, your doctor may recommend them for your overall health.

• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take including vitamins and herbal supplements.