There are quite a few myths related to this disease. Given below are the most common myths related to this illness along with the facts to dispel them. Various allergens such as mold and pollen as well as environmental conditions act as triggers to stimulate an attack.
Myth: Asthma is a creation of the mind.
Fact: No. It is a real disease and definitely not a psychological or emotional creation. It affects the airways and lungs, not the mind. It is a wrong belief that emotional persons have asthma as this disease is not caused by any upheaval of emotions. Emotions such as crying and stress only aggravate this condition.
Myth: All asthma patients show the same symptoms.
Fact: This is not true. Asthma symptoms differ from person to person and vary in intensity and frequency even within the same individual. Some patients may experience several symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath while others may simply cough.
Myth: You have asthma only when you have difficulty in breathing.
Fact: Asthma is difficult to diagnose. It requires proper clinical examination for confirmation. Asthma patients may have inflammation of the airways even without any visible symptoms. Even if the symptoms disappear, asthma may still remain. It is important to take your medication regularly and use prevention techniques to keep your asthma under control.
Myth: Steroids used in the treatment of asthma are dangerous.
Fact: Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred method of treatment for chronic asthma. When used in recommended doses, its benefits far outweigh the risks. Also these steroids are different from the anabolic steroids taken by athletes to build muscle.
Myth: If you have asthma you can never participate in sports.
Fact: This is not true. Actually, sports and other physical activities are just as important for an asthmatic person as for any other healthy person. Asthmatic children should also be encouraged to undertake physical activities provided they follow their prescribed asthma plan and medication. Consult your physician and prepare a plan to prevent future attacks. Also take your medication according to specifications and avoid things that can worsen your illness.
Myth: Exposure to pets can help decrease asthma attacks.
Fact: No. Exposure to pets will not decrease your attacks. Actually, the protein found in the saliva and urine of pets is responsible for this illness in some people. As most dogs have saliva, dander and urine, it is incorrect to believe that some breeds of dogs can reduce the symptoms of this disease. In fact, if you are allergic to animals, you should avoid keeping pets in the house.
Myth: Asthma symptoms in children often seem to go with age.
Fact: This is a life-long disease. As children grow, their airways also expand. This may lead to a reduction in symptoms. But it is possible that that the symptoms may return and lead to attacks.
Myth: I can stop or decrease my medication when the symptoms stop.
Fact: Although medication can be stopped when the symptoms disappear, this should be done only when advised by your physician. You should not stop taking medication on your own simply because you do not have any symptoms. It is the medicine which is working to make you feel better. You may still be affected by this disorder and any decision to make changes in your medication without consulting your physician can be harmful.
Myth: Taking asthma medicines for a long period can make them ineffective.
Fact: No. Asthma is a chronic disease and patients need to take medicines for a considerable period or according to symptoms.