Myths and Facts of Bronchial Asthma

What is Asthma? 

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways which is characterised by periodic “attacks” of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Although asthma is fairly common, there are many misconceptions about the disease, how it’s treated and how it affects a person’s day-to-day life.  

Common myths

Myth 1: Asthma is psychological

Asthma is not psychological, but psychological factors like depression and anxiety may exacerbate symptoms of asthma and make the condition more difficult to manage.

Myth 2: Asthmatics shouldn’t exercise

If your asthma is controlled, there is no reason you can’t be physically active.  We should encourage asthmatics to stay active to prevent obesity, which can trigger asthma and make symptoms worse.

Myth 3: Everyone with asthma experiences the same symptoms

Not only do symptoms of asthma differ from one patient to the next, but they can also vary from episode to episode in the same person. One patient might have several symptoms including cough, wheezing, and chest tightness, while another might only have shortness of breath.

Myth 4: Asthma only affects the lungs

Inflammatory component of asthma and it may even start as a systemic disease. it’s important not just to focus on treating the lungs and airways but to make sure your child stays physically active and eats a healthy diet.

Myth 5: Asthma goes away

Some people have the mistaken idea that you grow out of it. Asthma goes into remission in some children around puberty, but it often comes back. Sometimes, it returns when young adults start drinking alcohol.

Myth 6: Inhalers for Asthma treatment are addictive

This is not true; inhalers are the best medicine available for asthma. They are stopped gradually as asthma improves. But may require time to time depending on symptoms. 

Myth 7: Asthma medications stop working over time

Taking the right dose of your medication will help ensure that they do not lose their effectiveness. Mild asthma can be treated with quick-relief inhalers that are used only when symptoms appear. People with more severe asthma may need it daily. Using quick-relief inhalers more often than necessary, or taking too much of these medications, may render them less effective, peters cautions.

Facts on Asthma

    • Asthma symptoms can be triggered by exposure to an allergen (such as ragweed, pollen, animal dander or dust mites) and extreme weather conditions. Exercise or an illness– particularly a respiratory illness, irritants in the air (such as smoke, chemical fumes or strong odors) or the flu– can also make you more susceptible.
    • Weather conditions such as extremely dry, wet, or windy weather can worsen an asthma condition.
    • Asthma is not contagious.
    • One of the most effective medications for controlling asthma is inhaled corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications. Taken early and as directed, these well-tolerated and safe medications can improve asthma control and normalize lung function.
    • Pranayam and yoga are helpful in controlling asthma.
    • Effective asthma treatment includes monitoring the disease with a peak flow meter, identifying and avoiding allergen triggers, using drug therapies including bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory agents, and developing an emergency plan for severe attacks.
    • The goal for anyone with asthma should be to lead a normal, healthy life — which includes regular exercise.