World Asthma Day 2023: Some common myths about the lung disease busted

He added that it is especially important for health practitioners to quell myths surrounding asthma that deter parents from seeking medical interventions for their children, as the prevalence rate of asthma among children in India has been rising over the years.

Agreeing, Dr Ashok K Rajput, Consultant, Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said, “Despite the availability of effective treatments, there is still a lot of stigma and myths surrounding asthma.”

It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for individual needs (Source: Pixabay)

Myth: Asthma can be triggered by exercise

Fact: Dr Rajput explained that while there is an entity called exercise-induced asthma that gets precipitated by exercise in a predisposed individual, it is wrong to assume that people with asthma should avoid physical activities. “With treatment, asthmatics can do all exercises. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before starting any fitness regime,” he said.

Dr Khandare, too, concurred that asthma does not aggravate due to physical exertion. “We need to keep in mind that asthma does not aggravate due to physical exertion, in fact, our lung function and quality of life improves significantly with regular exercise and keeps asthma attacks under control. In fact, ace badminton player Parupalli Kashyap suffered from asthma yet reached elite levels of success,” he said.

Myth: Asthma medications are addictive

Fact: Dr Rajput highlighted that this is a false assumption. “Taking asthma medications, as prescribed, can help manage asthma symptoms and reduce the risk of an asthma attack. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for individual needs,” he said.

Myth: Children with the condition can outgrow it

Fact: Dr Rajput shared that asthma is a chronic condition that can persist throughout a person’s life. “While some children may experience fewer asthma symptoms as they get older, others may continue to have asthma symptoms or experience asthma symptoms as they grow old as well. Rarely do some children go into spontaneous remission for a prolonged period in adulthood.”

Agreeing, Dr Khandare shared that there is no permanent cure for asthma, and childhood asthma is not something which eventually goes away. “But, with medical intervention and conscious care, the lungs will become stronger and become less susceptible to triggers,” he said.

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