Asthma control is key to the well-being of millions of people. Characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue and more, asthma can be life-limiting and even cause death.
Patient education helps with asthma control. In this blog, we discuss 12 asthma myths and counter them with medical facts. So, read on to learn more about this chronic respiratory condition.
Myth #1: Asthma is contagious.
Fact: Asthma is not contagious. You cannot “catch” asthma the same way you catch a cold or the flu.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can be inherited. If you have a first degree relative–sibling or parent for example–with asthma, you may carry an asthma gene which could express itself at any time during your lifespan.
Myth: Very few people suffer from asthma.
Fact: Statistics show that about 262 million people of all ages and walks of life struggle with asthma symptoms. About half a million individuals globally die from asthma complications every year.
Myth: Asthma is a childhood condition.
Fact: Asthma can develop in babies and young children. However, symptoms can begin in the teen years and into adulthood as well. There really is no age limit on asthma.
Myth: You can get by without asthma medication.
Fact: The vast majority of people with asthma benefit from inhaled bronchodilators and/or corticosteroid medications which reduce inflammation in the airway. People with severe asthma must be medicated as this respiratory condition can carry a significant death risk.
Myth: You cannot avoid asthma attacks.
Fact: While a person with asthma cannot avoid all symptoms all the time, vigilant monitoring of symptoms at home and by a skilled healthcare provider can greatly reduce serious asthma flare-ups.
The best way to avoid asthma attacks is to take medications as prescribed and to avoid known triggers, such as animal dander, cold weather and stress.
Myth: City living benefits people with asthma more than country living.
Fact: The urban setting is no better for asthma management than living on a farm. Cities often have more air pollution compared to the countryside, which can aggravate asthma.
Myth: The symptoms of asthma are limited to the respiratory system.
Fact: Poorly managed asthma can adversely affect overall health. For instance, some people with asthma cannot get quality sleep, leading to mental fogginess and daytime fatigue.
Myth: Body weight does not affect asthma.
Fact: Obesity complicates asthma. People with excess body weight typically have a number of chronic health conditions besides asthma, like diabetes and hypertension. Also, statistics show that both children and adults who are obese develop asthma more frequently and with greater severity than their slimmer counterparts.
Myth: Kids will outgrow their asthma.
Fact: Some asthma symptoms lessen or disappear with time. However, some people with asthma can experience an exacerbation of symptoms as they grow older. In short, age is not a reliable predictor of how one’s asthma will express itself.
Myth: People with asthma should not exercise.
Fact: Asthmatics of all ages can benefit from physical activity. Exercise improves lung capacity and function. However, it is important to discuss your exercise options with your healthcare provider before starting a new activity.
Myth: Diet and dietary supplements can eradicate asthma symptoms.
Fact: Research shows no real benefit to lung function or reduction of asthma symptoms through taking vitamins or nutritional supplements. That said, a nutritious, well-balanced diet will benefit anyone regardless of their chronic health conditions.
Myth: Allergies have no impact on asthma.
Fact: People with hay seasonal allergies and skin conditions, such as eczema, do have a higher incidence of asthma symptoms. So, it’s very important to get allergy tested if your healthcare provider suspects allergens, such as pollen or dust, are triggering your wheezing, tiredness and chest tightness.
Best Asthma Treatments in DeSoto, TX
At Pivot Healthcare Company, we keep our patients fully informed on the risks of asthma and other chronic health care conditions. The more you know, the more you can control your asthma.
Our family nurse practitioner, Crystal Capler, partners with patients in identifying asthma triggers and in controlling symptoms through lifestyle changes, medications and symptom monitoring. To learn more about your asthma, please call us at (214) 242-9316 for a personalized consultation or request your appointment online. Armed with the facts, you can manage this chronic lung condition. Call us today!
