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Debunking Common Asthma Myths: What You Really Need to Know

Asthma
best-diet-for-kidney-health-tips-from-our-nephrologist-in-hisar Asthma‍‌‍‍‌ is among the top common chronic respiratory diseases worldwide. It accounts for a large number of people, children, and adults, in fact, of all ages. However, misunderstandings about asthma are still everywhere. This results in problems such as late diagnosis, wrong treatment, and even fear that is totally unnecessary.  Experts at Sarvesh Health City, the best pulmonology treatment hospital in Hisar, emphasize the significance of knowing the disease, getting timely diagnosis, and treatment plans customized for the patient. This article will help readers by separating misconceptions from the facts about asthma and its management, let’s unveil them one by one.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 1: Asthma Is Only a Childhood Condition

Truth: Asthma Can Happen at any Age

It is widely believed that asthma only happens to children and goes away as one grows. However, asthma is basically a condition that stays with the patient forever. The inflammation and sensitivity of the airway are the main reasons even when no symptoms are apparent. Adults can definitely get asthma later in life, but it is usually caused by exposure to allergens, pollutants or occupational irritants.

Asthmatic patients who stop their treatment because they think their symptoms have disappeared are the ones who have unexpected ‍‌‍‍‌exacerbations.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 2: Asthma Isn’t a Serious Disease

Truth: Every Asthma Case Requires Care

Considering asthma merely a minor issue of breathing is a typical mistake, but the truth is quite different. It is recorded worldwide that asthma causes a considerable number of fatal cases, leading to thousands of deaths each year, and that it is the reason why millions of people’s lives are affected. 

In addition, the severity of asthma varies among people (different cases), and the condition of the person also plays a role. Not even a single case of mild symptoms should be brushed off, as the untreated asthma can lead to the loss of lung capacity.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 3: If You Are Not Wheezing, It Is Not Asthma

Truth: Asthma May Still Be Present Without Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing and is considered one of the most typical symptoms of asthma. Some people have asthma symptoms such as a continuous cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, but they do not have wheezing.

During a very severe asthma attack, the air that flows through the lungs may be so limited that there is almost no sound because the airways are very narrow. So, even when using a stethoscope, it is impossible to hear wheezing. That is why doctors’ visits and lung function tests are needed for determining and checking the ‍‌‍‍‌disease.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 4: Asthma Medications Are Addictive

Truth: Inhalers and Asthma Medications Are Safe and Non-Addictive

Asthma medications reduce inflammation and widen the airways, not to make the patient dependent. Inhalers, both relievers and controllers, are health-wise approved and can be used safely for a long period.

It is the controller inhalers that, if used regularly, keep off the attacks, whereas the rescue inhalers are the ones that give immediate relief at the time of the crisis. Those patients who skip or underuse their medications end up worsening their symptoms and possibly having very severe flare-ups. The pulmonologist, aware of the different types and doses of medicines, can decide which ones will be most suitable and effective without harming the patient’s individual ‍‌‍‍‌needs.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 5: Asthma Is Just “In the Head”

Truth: Asthma Is a Medical Condition That Affects the Body

Asthma is based on inflammatory factors affecting the airways. Induction of this disorder is traced back to the immune responses, hence it is not a psychological illness. In a situation where the patient is emotionally stressed or anxious, symptoms will worsen, but the case is still not the cause of asthma. However, taking care of both the physical and emotional health aspects is the best way to have the disease under ‍‌‍‍‌control.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 6: People with Asthma Should Avoid Exercise

Truth: Physical Activity Can Improve Lung Function

It is a myth that people with asthma should not be physically active. Actually, regular physical activity can do a lot of good. It can even strengthen respiratory muscles, improve lung capacity, and overall fitness level will also increase.

Also, activities such as swimming, walking, yoga, and cycling, which are of low impact, are very good. With the right medical advice, people who have asthma can engage in any sport or physical ‍‌‍‍‌activity.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 7: Asthma Medicines Are Only Needed During an Attack

Truth: Regular Therapy Keeps the Disease Away

Asthma implies that there is inflammation in the airways, even between attacks. The practice of using only rescue inhalers when there is a sudden worsening of the disease is the wrong approach.

A patient who uses his medication regularly and according to the pulmonologist’s prescription will hardly need to be hospitalized, will not go through emergency episodes, and will in general have a much lighter disease burden.

Myth‍‌‍‍‌ 8: COVID-19 Raises the Risk of Asthma Attack

Fact: Properly Controlled Asthma Reduces the Risk of COVID-19 Complications

During the pandemic, a major concern was whether asthma patients would become more vulnerable to COVID-19. While it is true that respiratory infections may worsen asthma symptoms, the research has found that asthmatics with well-controlled conditions are not at a higher risk of severe COVID-19.

The important thing is to regularly take your medication, not to overuse your reliever inhaler, and continue with your medical check-ups. People with asthma should also get vaccinated, follow infection-prevention measures to ensure the health of their respiratory system.

 

Final‍‌‍‍‌ Thoughts

Asthma should not be scared of, but it has to be recognized and handled properly. The incorrect beliefs about the disease can often be obstacles to the right therapy, making education a potent weapon for patients.

This is achievable by cooperation with lung experts, correct treatment, and updated information on the disease. Sarvesh Health City, one of the best pulmonology treatment hospital in Hisar, is committed to providing high-quality and evidence-based pulmonary care to patients not only in Hisar but also in the surrounding ‍‍‌areas.

FAQs

Q 1. Can asthma be newly developed in an adult?

Ans. Yes, adult-onset asthma may happen as a result of allergens, exposures to irritants in the environment. Diagnosis and treatment of this disorder require a medical check-up.

Q 2. Is it true that stress can cause asthma symptoms?

Ans. Stress can exacerbate asthma symptoms or cause flare-ups. However, it is not the main cause of asthma. Taking care of stress via relaxation or therapy can assist in the decline of asthmatic attacks.

Q 3. Has asthma been totally eliminated?

Ans. A cure for asthma is not available at present. However, the symptoms can be efficiently controlled through the use of consistent treatment and supervision, hence, most people can live normal lives.

Q 4. In case of an asthma attack, what measures should I take?

Ans. Do it right away, apply the inhaler with a reliever which has been prescribed for you, sit upright, and make an effort to keep calm. If the symptoms are not getting better or even getting worse within a few minutes, call for help immediately and get emergency medical care as soon as ‍‌‍‍‌possible.

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DR-NIDH-MAHAJAN
DR. NIDHI MAHAJAN

PULMONOLOGIST

Discover why Dr. Nidhi Mahajan at Sarvesh Health City is regarded as Hisar’s leading pulmonologist, offering expert care, advanced treatments, and trusted results.