Asthma Myths Truth Dr.Sunil Kumar Facebook Linkedin Youtube Instagram What is Asthma ? Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways of your lungs. There are two main problems in asthma: swelling and increased mucus (inflammation) in the airways, and squeezing of the muscles around the airways (bronchospasm). These problems can make it hard to breathe. Taking medicines and avoiding things that trigger asthma can help control asthma. Myths and Truth about Asthma MYTH 1 : Asthma is present only when you face trouble in breathing ! Fact Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways of your lungs. There are two main problems in asthma: swelling and increased mucus (inflammation) in the airways, and squeezing of the muscles around the airways (bronchospasm). These problems can make it hard to breathe. Taking medicines and avoiding things that trigger asthma can help control asthma. MYTH 2 : Asthma symptoms are the same for everyone. Fact Asthma affects each person differently. Each person may experience symptoms varying from wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue, to just coughing. You should know what your or your child’s symptoms are to get help quickly. MYTH 3 : Every asthma patient should avoid “cold” food like milk, curd etc. Fact If in case there is an identifiable food item that has been known to trigger an asthma attack in a particular patient, then that food item must be avoided. MYTH 4: 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 a 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 dosages in comparison to more effective inhalers. MYTH 5: Steroids used in asthma are dangerous and these steroids will stunt growth. Fact The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests that 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 to 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 because a sick child will not grow at the same rate as a good child. Consult a doctor to chalk out an effective action plan to treat your child’s asthma. MYTH 6: 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 7: If I am not having asthma symptoms, why should I take treatment? Fact In asthma, some ongoing inflammation is almost always there in the airways of majority of asthmatic patients. To suppress this inflammation the inhalers have to be taken regularly by most of the asthmatics patients. If the medicines are not taken regularly, there is a chance to get permanent remodeling of the airways.
