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Home > Learn More About Asthma > Myths & Realities
Myths & Realities
Medical myths are all too common—including a lot of myths about asthma. Sometimes, what people think they know about a disease or its treatment can have a big impact on how they manage it. And when medical myths begin to interfere with proper management, it's time for a dose of reality. One way to counter medical misconceptions is to provide accurate information and education—to help people properly manage their health. Below are a few myths about asthma and a quick reality check.
Myth: A cough here, a wheeze there; asthma is not serious.
Reality: Asthma can be very serious. It's also highly unpredictable—symptoms that start out mild can turn deadly.
Myth: I should only use my "rescue" inhaler when I'm in trouble.
Reality: You should use your rescue inhaler (also called albuterol or quick-relief inhaler) at the FIRST sign of sudden symptoms. Remember, if you use albuterol more than twice a week to treat asthma symptoms (except to prevent symptoms triggered by exercise), it may mean that your asthma is poorly controlled.
Myth: Children outgrow asthma.
Reality: Asthma is a chronic lung condition that never goes away. Asthma may get less severe as some people get older, but it doesn't disappear. Symptoms can return at any time without warning.
Myth: Asthma means I can't…
Reality: Most people should not have to limit their lifestyle or activities because of their asthma. By working with their doctor, taking medicine as prescribed, and avoiding asthma triggers, many people can be free of symptoms all or most of the time.
Myth: I only have asthma when I have trouble breathing. My asthma comes and goes, day by day, week by week.
Reality: People with asthma have it all the time. It is a chronic condition and airway inflammation is always there—even when there are not a lot of symptoms. There is increasing evidence that if left untreated, inflammation may cause lung damage and a decline in lung function.
Myth: Asthma is all in your head.
Reality: It's in your lungs. Asthma is a chronic disease in the airways of your lungs. Asthma stays with you all the time, but your asthma symptoms may be worse at some times. Because asthma is with you all the time, many children and adults need to take asthma medicine every day to help control symptoms and help prevent attacks.
Myth: Asthma is an emotional disease; if you are an emotional person you get asthma.
Reality: Emotions do not cause asthma. But, if you already have asthma, emotional stresses such as crying, yelling, or laughing hard can trigger asthma symptoms.
Myth: You can never play sports if you have asthma.
Reality: Even some star athletes have asthma. The secret is getting the right Asthma Action Plan from your healthcare professional to help prevent attacks.
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