Breathing complexity can be bothersome as it can prevent wheezing and coughing when you breathe. Alternatively, you should be cautious because this is a common red flag for asthma. If left untreated, the condition will affect your overall well-being, including lung damage; thus, you need immediate medical attention. Recently, cases of Duluth asthma have been rising gradually due to various factors like smoking and obesity. Unfortunately, fake information across the internet can prevent you from seeking treatment. This article analyzes some common myths about asthma you should never believe.
You Should Avoid Physical Activities If you Have Asthma
Staying physically inactive when you have asthma can affect your overall well-being, causing common problems like depression, poorer asthma control, and surged exacerbation risk. Therefore, you should engage in regular physical activities, such as going to the gym and playing sports. These activities keep your lungs healthy, assist in controlling weight, and improve your lung function. Your specialist may suggest you use an albuterol inhaler before and during exercise. Also, you should warm up before and cool down after physical activity.
You Should Use Asthma Medication for Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a chronic condition that needs constant management to control the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe treatments, including the use of controller medication daily. This medication comprises a small dose of inhaled corticosteroids, which help to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks like swelling. If you are experiencing an asthma attack, you can use a quick-relief inhaler for immediate relief. However, using this medication more than twice a week could indicate your asthma is deteriorating; hence you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Asthma Is Not Risky and Easily Manageable
Asthma is an incurable and chronic illness affecting millions in the US, leading to significant cases of death daily. Statistics show that over 25 million Americans have a disease totaling up to $56 billion in direct and indirect expenses annually. Factors that trigger asthma symptoms include family background, age, and environment. Thus, a proper treatment plan and diagnosis are vital for managing the condition. You can effectively control asthma with the right specialist, education, and management techniques.
Medications for Asthma Are Addictive
As Asthma is a chronic condition, you may need constant medication. However, the medication you are given is non-addictive and harmless for long-term use. You should note that the inhaled corticosteroids, commonly used to heal asthma, are not similar to the anabolic steroids used by some athletes to increase their muscle mass. Although inhaled corticosteroids have been found to cause some delays in early growth, they do not affect a child’s full growth potential.
Only High Doses of Steroids Control Asthma
If you believe taking a higher dose of steroids is essential to manage asthma, you should change your perspective because that is a myth. The standard asthma treatment includes using low-dose corticosteroid inhalers delivered and inhaled straight to the lungs. Higher doses are unnecessary, as the medication is highly effective in its inhaled form. Inhaled doses are much lesser than the amount found in pills, thus less likely to result in side effects.
Asthma can be overwhelming and worrisome to your overall well-being. For instance, it becomes difficult to carry out daily activities and engage in sports you like. You may also experience trouble sleeping and airway remodeling. Therefore, you should seek medical attention immediately and stop listening to what you hear people saying about asthma. Your healthcare provider will conduct comprehensive examinations to detect and treat the root of your asthma. Some of the medications your provider can offer include inhaled corticosteroids, theophylline, biologics, and combination inhalers, depending on the severity of your condition.
