Asthma: Myth and truth
Asthma is one of the commonest diseases of the respiratory system. Despite being common, many people are still ill prepared to handle A lot of misconception still persists in general population. That is why it is important that we all know the facts against the myths to combat asthma.
Myth: You are likely to develop asthma if someone in your family has it.
Truth: You have a 6% chance of having asthma if neither parent has the condition, a 30% chance if one parent has it and a 70% chance if both parents have it.
Myth: You can catch asthma from someone else who has it.
Truth: Asthma is not a contagious disease.
Myth: Asthma can be cured. So it is not serious and nobody dies from it.
Truth: There is no cure for asthma, but the disease can be controlled in most patients with good medical care. The condition should be taken seriously, since uncontrolled asthma may result in emergency hospitalisation and possible death.
Myth: People with asthma should not exercise
Truth: With the proper medication and care, all asthmatics should be able to participate in sports and exercise. Certain athletic activities may be better for children with asthma. Swimming is an optimal exercise for those with asthma. On the other hand, exercising in dry, cold air may be a trigger for asthma in some people.
Myth: Medications used to treat asthma are habit forming.
Truth: Asthma medications are not addictive.
Myth: Smoking does not trigger asthma attacks.
Truth: Smoking triggers asthma and makes asthma worse.
Myth: Inhaled asthma medications are dangerous and the last resort in asthma management.
Truth: Inhaled asthma medications are very safe, effective, scientific and surest way of drug delivery to the airways. They do not go to any other part of body except the airways. These steroids do not have those side effects of oral steroids. Doses required are sometimes 40% less then oral steroids.
The writer is a Pulmonologist, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka.
E-mail: majazizur765@yahoo.com
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