Myths about Bronchial Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a chronic respiratory tract disease, which has a non-infectious origin and is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. This is the most common asthma definition. Asthma has a rather complicated mechanism of development. The disease can be inherited. It can also occur at the previously healthy man on the background of any internal changes in the body or under surrounding environment factors influence. The occurrence of asthma is associated with changes in bronchial reactivity and sensitivity. Asthma can be of various types, depending on triggering factor.

First signs of asthma are quite easy to recognize. It is usually dyspnea, tightness in the chest, severe dry cough, difficulties with breathing.

Today, the question of whether it is possible to cure asthma, medical experts answer with unequivocal «no». This disease is considered incurable. Modern therapeutic methods allow to reduce disease symptoms to a minimum and prevent its dangerous consequences.

Thus, understanding conditions that trigger asthma and how asthma can manifest itself over time is vital. Here are some myths and facts about asthma:

1. Myth – Asthma Cause is “in the Head”

Fact: Asthma is not a psychological condition. Nevertheless, emotional triggers can be causes of asthma attacks as well.

2. Myth – Children can “Outgrow” Asthma

Fact: You can not outgrow asthma. Approximately in 50% of children with asthma (among which almost 100% are children with mild asthma), this condition may be inactive during adolescence. However, symptoms/attacks can appear at any time in adulthood.

3. Myth – Asthma can be Cured, so it is not a Serious Disease and not Fatal

Fact: There is no cure for asthma, but the disease can be controlled. Asthma attacks are necessary to be controlled since uncontrolled asthma can lead to hospitalization and eventual death.

4. True – A Child is Prone to Asthma if Someone in the Family had Asthma

Fact: A child has 6% chance of developing asthma if neither of parents has/had asthma; 30% chance – if one parent has asthma and 70% – both parents.

5. Myth – You can get Asthma from Someone suffering from Asthma

Fact: Asthma is not contagious.

6. Myth – Moving to Another Country can Cure Asthma

Fact: Moving to a new area can temporarily improve asthma symptoms, but it will not cure asthma. After a few years of living in a new place, many people become sensitive to the new environment and asthma symptoms return with the same or even greater intensity than before.

7. Myth – Children with Asthma Should not Do Exercises

Fact: Swimming is the best sport for children with asthma. On the other hand, exercise on dry, cool air can trigger asthma attacks in some children. More than 10% of Olympic champions in all sports are asthmatics.

8. Myth – Asthma does not Require Medical Treatment

Fact: Asthma is best controlled if the doctor made/created treatment plan that includes medication used for quick relief of attacks (asthma inhalers) and drugs that are used as controllers. Also, asthma home remedies can be very useful for disease control.