Dr. Prashanth Mukka

Consultant Pulmonology

Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad

May 5 is organized by GINA a WHO collaborative organization founded in 1993, to raise awareness of Asthma worldwide.

WHO recognizes that Asthma is of major public health importance. Although Asthma cannot be cured, it is possible to manage Asthma to reduce and prevent Asthma attacks.

Dr. Prashanth Mukka, Consultant Pulmonology at Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad clears the misconceptions linked to Asthma.

Myths:

1. Asthma is a childhood disease; Individuals will grow out of it as they age.

 Fact: Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly)

Myths:

2.Asthma is infectious

 Fact: Asthma is not infectious, however viral respiratory infections (such as common cold & flu) can cause Asthma attacks

Asthma in children is often associated with allergy, but asthma in adults is less often allergic.

Myths:

3.Asthma sufferers should not exercise 

Fact: When Asthma is well controlled, subjects can exercise and even perform top sports.

Myths:

4. Asthma is only controllable with high-dose steroids and steroids used in asthma are dangerous and these steroids stunts growth.

Fact: Asthma is most often controllable with low dose steroids

NIH suggests that Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) are preferred for the treatment of Asthma and when used at the recommended dose for most patients, the benefits of ICS outweigh the risks.

Myths:

5. Asthma is present only when you face trouble breathing

Fact: Asthma is a disease that is difficult to identify and exists when symptoms are not visible. Controlling asthma requires taking controller medications on a regular basis and avoiding asthma triggers.

Myths:

6. Inhalers are addictive, unsafe, and cause many side effects

Fact: Not true, ICS are highly effective in controlling symptoms and reducing asthma exacerbation. The majority of patients consume oral medications due to the stigma associated with inhalers.

Oral medications lead to more side effects and are required in large dosages compared to inhalers.