Do you have asthma? Learn the five most prevalent fallacies about this long-term respiratory illness

Myths and misunderstandings about asthma, a chronic respiratory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, are common. It’s marked by the constriction and enlargement of the airways, which increases mucus production and causes symptoms including coughing, dyspnea, wheezing (a sound made when one exhales), and dyspnea. Although asthma is the most prevalent chronic illness in children, it should be noted that people of all ages may be affected by it.

This is particularly true in India, where a disproportionate amount of people suffer from asthma due to misinformation regarding the illness and inhalation therapy, which is the main treatment. India has a startling 42% of all asthma-related fatalities, although it makes up just 13% of the world’s asthma cases. The high prevalence of asthma in India, with 34.3 million patients and fewer than 9% obtaining adequate inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) therapy, might be ascribed to underdiagnosis and unwillingness to accept suitable treatment because of prevalent beliefs.

Let’s examine some common misconceptions and information about asthma:
Myth: Asthma Is Contagious Real: Asthma is not a communicable illness, which means that it cannot be spread from person to person.

Asthma is not communicable and may strike at any age. The development of asthma is influenced by a number of variables, such as occupational exposures, allergies, childhood respiratory illnesses, and parental history. But asthma episodes may also be brought on by viral respiratory infections, which are communicable and include the flu and the common cold. It is essential to comprehend these risk factors in order to effectively treat asthma.

Myth: Medicine for asthma causes addiction

Factual statement: Medications for asthma are safe and necessary for managing asthma.

Due to the chronic nature of the illness, asthma often requires a set regimen of long-term pharmaceutical usage. This might include inhaled corticosteroids for regular usage or maintenance and bronchodilators for unexpected episodes. But none of these can lead to addiction. However, if they don’t adhere to the treatment and schedule that their doctor has suggested, some individuals may come to feel reliant on their rescue inhaler. Having said that, a sense of dependence may arise when an asthmatic fails to adhere to the treatment and regimen recommended by their physician, leading to frequent need for their rescue inhaler.

Myth: You should avoid exercising if you have asthma.

Fact: It’s important to understand that exercise is safe and helpful for people with asthma when done under professional supervision.

It’s important to discuss your fitness goals with your doctor. If your asthma is under control, your physician will probably recommend exercise. They may also provide guidance for handling any symptoms while exercising. Frequent exercise promotes long-term asthma management in addition to helping to preserve general health. Don’t let this misconception stop you from achieving your fitness goals; for people with asthma, exercise may be an important component of a healthy lifestyle when done appropriately.

Myth: Over time, asthma medicine loses its efficacy.

Factual statement: The efficacy of asthma medicine is not compromised by frequent usage.

In the treatment of asthma, two kinds of medications are used: controllers and relievers. Controllers act gradually over time to avoid attacks, while relievers provide immediate relief for severe symptoms. The cornerstone of treating asthma is inhalation treatment, which involves customising the kinds and dosages of medications to each patient’s requirements and symptoms. However, since the illness is chronic, its triggers and symptoms may fluctuate over time, creating the appearance that therapy is not working. Working closely with your doctor to monitor and identify triggers is thus encouraged in order to alter medication as required.

Myth: You only need to take medication during asthma attacks.

Fact: Long-term symptom management for asthma requires the use of medication.

Since asthma is a chronic condition, it lasts a lifetime. Symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, often recur. The illness is active and has to be treated continuously, even in times when there are no symptoms. Ignoring appropriate treatment may result in an increase in the frequency of asthma episodes as well as a deterioration in health and life satisfaction.