Separating Asthma Fact from Asthma Fiction

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory illness affecting both children and adults. Yet a lot of misinformation abounds; some are “old wives' tales” about certain dogs taking asthma away, for example. But myths are more pervasive in society and lead to people believing asthma is a curable illness or that asthmatics shouldn't exercise.

It's important to know the truth about asthma because it affects so many people. Learning just one asthma fact that explodes a myth is good for educating people about this illness. Several of the most common myths can be easily examined and disproved.

“Asthma is All in Your Head”

Asthma is not an “emotional” illness or psychosomatic in nature. While emotions can sometimes lead to an asthma attack, this is not common. This asthma fact is difficult for non-sufferers to understand. An actual physical condition already exists in the lungs. Triggers like emotions, but more commonly allergens, can cause the affected airways to become inflamed and constrict breathing.

“Asthma Can Be Cured”

Some advertisements on TV or online will claim that asthma can be cured. This is not an asthma fact, but rather an outright falsehood used to make money. There are many ways to manage asthma, through drugs or treatments, but no cure exists right now. Scientists are still researching several ways to eliminate this disease but have not had success yet.

Children Will Outgrow Asthma

You cannot outgrow asthma; although 50% of childhood sufferers' symptoms will become inactive in high school, these people will always have asthma and the symptoms may reoccur when they are older. This is an asthma fact that is important to remember so a person can remain vigilant in monitoring for symptoms, even if they haven't happened in a long time. As a person gets older, it's easier to pinpoint things that can trigger attacks and avoid them, giving the appearance of “outgrowing” asthma.

Asthmatics Can't Exercise or Play Sports

Exercise is important for everyone, especially asthmatics. People with asthma do play sports and lead active lives. If you take up a new sport, talk to your doctor first and be sure your asthma is under control. Be sure to talk to your coach or other teammates about your condition in case you do have an attack. It's important to pick the best times and places to exercise. Don't pick a place that will have many of your asthma triggers.

It is an asthma fact that the conditioning that goes with exercise will help you better manage your disease. Talk to your doctor about anything you hear about asthmas that sounds too good (or too bad) to be true. He can point you in the right direction when trying to sort asthma fact from fiction.