Myth vs. Fact: All About Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects nearly 25 million Americans and causes nearly 1.6 million emergency room visits every year. Asthma occurs when the airways become inflamed, causing them to narrow and obstruct normal breathing. It’s a serious condition often plagued by misinformation. Let’s clear the air by separating the myths from the facts.
Myth or fact: Asthma is a minor condition that you will outgrow?
Myth! Asthma is a condition caused by chronic inflammation of the lungs. This kind of inflammation is caused by different factors like genetics, allergens or pollution in the environment. While asthma is common in children, it doesn’t truly go away as you age. Asthma may even develop in adults who didn’t experience symptoms as a child. Symptoms may change or become less frequent over time, but the condition persists and management is important. With treatment, asthma sufferers can manage the condition and live a healthy life. Without treatment, ER and hospital visits can be frequent, and symptoms can affect daily life.
Myth or fact: It’s important to use asthma controller medicines regularly rather than skipping them and relying solely on rescue medicines during an asthma flare-up.
Fact! Asthma medications are vital to managing this condition. There are two main types of treatment: controller medications and rescue medications. Controller medications help prevent asthma attacks, making you less likely to react to triggers. Rescue medications provide fast relief for asthma attack symptoms. If your doctor prescribes both controller and rescue medications, it’s always best to take the controller medications as prescribed, so you don’t need to use the rescue medications often, or at all. Controller medications are effective at stopping airway inflammation before symptoms get out of control and you need your rescue meds. An analysis published in 2012 found that if you have worsening asthma symptoms, corticosteroids are actually necessary to prevent serious outcomes. Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing your asthma treatment.
Myth or fact: Exercise is off-limits for people with asthma.
Myth! Exercise can be an asthma trigger for some, but it doesn’t mean you can’t live an active lifestyle. It may even help you manage your asthma better. In a 2015 study, asthma sufferers who participated in physical activity were almost 2.5 times more likely to avoid flare ups than those who didn’t exercise. There are even exercises available to help improve lung health. Remember, always talk to your doctor before starting or changing your exercise regimen.
Myth or fact: People can have different asthma attack triggers.
Fact! Like we mentioned above, asthma can be caused by different factors from genetics to environment. Asthma attack triggers can also vary from person to person. Some common ones include colds, pollution, pollen, dust and tobacco smoke. These triggers are not one-size-fits-all and neither is their treatment. Work with your doctor to make an asthma action plan that’s specific to you and your needs.
You can live better with asthma by taking steps to protect your health. More tools and resources on asthma management can be found here.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/what-is-asthma
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