Many myths and rumors and old wives’ tales surrounding asthma like most diseases are there.Asthma is contagious for some people while it is a psychological disease for others and it’s just in the thoughts. Some even contemplate that asthma is not severe and one cannot die of asthma. Some of the fables surrounding asthma will be cleared here, based on medical studies and scientific research.Here is a few interesting Myths and Facts About Asthma.

Myth

Consistent use of inhalers is habit-forming and addictive

Fact

No, inhalers are not habit-forming. Just because inhaler medicine has to be taken daily does not mean that it is addictive. Using inhalers for asthma is a good routine as it will help you attain good control over asthma. Thus it is a good habit to be addicted to.

Myth

Oral medication, i.e. Tablets and syrups are better than inhalation therapy

Fact

Oral medication is not better than inhalation therapy and there is ample research to show it. In most countries, inhalation therapy has prospered in swapping oral therapy because it is most effective, the safest and also the most cost efficient ways to control asthma.

Myth

Inhalers are more costly than tablets/syrups

Fact

Inhalation therapy is not more expensive than tablets and syrups. There are some oral medications that are higher than inhalers. Moreover, the damage caused by the tablets is really very expensive in the long run for your health.

Myth

Asthma comes and goes. It is not always there

Fact

Asthma symptoms, i.e. Tightness of chest, breathlessness, coughing and wheezing may come and go but asthma is always there. There is a common misunderstanding that asthma comes and goes, and that one should use the medication only when one has the symptoms.It is significant to know that asthma is a chronic (long duration) disease and the patient take medicines always even in the nonappearance of symptoms.

Myth

Asthma can be cured

Fact

Medical science may have advanced, but unfortunately there is no cure for asthma. Not even homeopathy or Ayurveda or fish therapy or yoga can cure asthma. However in Allopathy, it can be treated so it is under exceptional control.

Myth

You cannot lead a normal life if you have asthma

Fact

You can lead an energetic and well life in spite of your asthma. If you have asthma or your child does, you can rest guaranteed that you will be able to lead as ordinary a life as likely. If you and your child keep an eye on your physician’s advice, educate yourselves about asthma, use your inhaled medication properly as prescribed by the doctor, and elude your triggers, there is no reason why asthma should get in the way of your dreams, your life.

Myth

You cannot exercise and play sports if you have asthma

Fact

You can exercise and play sports even if you have asthma, but you should take your medicines frequently. Swimming is good for asthma. On the other hand, exercising in dry, cold air may be a trigger for some people. It is important that you take your Controller medicines regularly, as prescribed by your doctor.The best exercises for asthma are yoga, and sports like swimming and sprinting, since they do not comprise nonstop running and permit you to have pauses in between.

Myth

Complementary and alternative treatments will benefit me in controlling my asthma

Fact

Complementary/alternative treatments like homeopathy, Ayurveda, herbal therapy, acupuncture and fish therapy, among others will not aid you in controlling asthma. Effectiveness is not proved by any data. The study shows that these treatments have not confirmed to be of any assistance in controlling asthma. Also, information is absent about their safety as they abide some risks to patients regarding side effects.

Myth

Asthma can be caught from another person

Fact

No, asthma is not infectious. You cannot catch asthma from anyone else, and no one else at home or at work can get infected by it.

Myth

If one’s parents do not have a history of asthma one cannot have it

Fact

You could still get asthma if there is a history of allergy in anyone in the family, i.e. Not just parents but also siblings, grandparents, immediate family like uncles and aunties. Plus triggers can also cause your asthma attack.

Myth

You grow out of asthma or asthma gets better as you get older

Fact

Asthma is a lifelong condition. A child’s asthma can get better or worse over time and some very young children with asthma may get much better as they (and their lungs) grow, but for most people, asthma is existent for the rest of their life.

Myth

Asthma symptoms are the same for everyone

Fact

Asthma can affect each person inversely. One person may show more than a few symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue, while someone else may only cough. You should know what your symptoms are so you can get help quickly.

Myth

One cannot die of asthma

Fact

Unluckily, yes, one can die of asthma. According to a WHO update, the yearly worldwide deaths from asthma have been assessed at 250,000.Death can occur if the asthma is not diagnosed in the first place. Or if the patient did not have a Reliever near at hand when having an attack.One of the best ways to detect if a patient is indanger of death is, one who is taking lots of their bronchodilator inhaler (more than ten puffs per day, or requiring two or more inhalers per month), as this shows their asthma is out of control. Anyone who has to visit the hospital for frequent nebulization is also at risk.