6 Common Asthma Myths

Asthma is a widespread disease. There are many modern drugs, alternative medicines or herbal medicines, which is a division of Ayurveda. Yet this disease has grown in strength over the years. However, despite this prevalence, there is very little knowledge about this disease. People harbor misconceptions about asthma. Below is a list of certain myths people associate with asthma.

MYTH: Asthma is Curable

... which is virtually impossible. Asthma is a chronic and non curable disease. No herbal medicine, miraculous fish medicine, or alternative medicine can cure asthma. If you are an unfortunate asthmatic, there's no way you can get rid of this disease for the rest of your life. So, just take a deep breath and relax! Asthma might have you, but don't let asthma have you.

MYTH: Sports are a strict no-no with asthma

This is again another myth that accompanies asthma. There is no need to keep your child away from sports if your kid is asthmatic. Taking part in sports and games can neither worsen nor improve asthma. Many Olympic athletes and even swimmers were asthmatics. So, don't do all work and no play. That will make you even duller than asthma!

MYTH: My lungs can grow tough and immune to asthma attacks

If you go without medicine, you will only suffer; your asthma will not be affected in any way. Asthma occurs due to a chronic inflammation of the lungs. Not taking any medicine will worsen your conditions, and that can be fatal. There is no possibility and no medical history till date that a person's lungs have become tough due to avoidance of medicines. So, give in to the medicines but not the disease!

MYTH: Asthma is a psychological disease

NO. It is not a psychological disease and emotions or hormonal release has nothing to do with it. It is caused when the inner walls of the lungs get inflamed due to allergic reactions or excessive secretion of mucus. This can be prevented by proper medication and asthma management program.

MYTH: Asthma medicines are unsafe because of steroids

The steroids used in the asthma medicines, mostly inhalers are corticosteroids and not the high dose steroids used by athletes for sustained performance. Research has shown and medical experts have agreed that these steroids are harmless and related to those of the kind found in creams to reduce itch or inflammation of the skin.

MYTH: Everyone has the same kind of asthma

The type of asthma varies from person to person. There is no common kind of asthma like common cold or sneezing. The severity and symptoms vary between people and there can not be any common conclusion.