Clearing the Air: Exposing Asthma Misconceptions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2021, asthma affects 7.7% of the U.S. population. (1) Asthma is a lung condition that can become particularly alarming if left undiagnosed, especially without proper medical treatment. If asthma goes undiagnosed it can be detrimental to one’s health. (6) For example, those affected might not exercise as much, miss work or other events, and lose sleep. (6) When asthma goes undiagnosed the airway is obstructed which makes it harder to breathe over time. Without proper treatment, this can lead to hospitalization. (7) Let’s look into some misconceptions people have about asthma.

Myth 1: Asthma is not a serious condition

While asthma is a chronic disease, you can get asthma attacks or flare-ups when something bothers your lungs. Asthma causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. (1) Asthma is genetic, so if someone in your immediate family has asthma, you could have it too. (8) During an asthma attack, the sides of your airways swell, making your airway narrow, which increases the possibility of your airways being clogged. (8) This makes an asthma attack a very dangerous and serious situation

Myth 2: Only obese people struggle with asthma

People of all sizes struggle with asthma – being obese or overweight does not cause asthma. For those who are overweight or obese, the extra weight can put pressure on your chest and lungs, which strains the lungs making it harder to breathe in general. Because of this, obesity can be a risk factor for asthma. (4) Losing weight can help those who are obese with their asthma however, asthma will not be cured due to the weight loss. (4) Being obese and having asthma can make living with asthma harder, but that’s why it is important to have a treatment plan.

Myth 3: Exercise is the only trigger

A common misconception is that exercise is the most common trigger because of athletic-induced asthma. The most common triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergens, pets, mold, smoke from burning wood or grass, and infections like the flu. (8) Learning your triggers will help you maintain your asthma attacks.

Myth 4: Asthma only affects kids

Many people believe kids will grow out of asthma but in reality, children rarely grow out of asthma. (9) Sometimes asthma can improve in children due to lungs getting bigger and adapting to allergens however it is rare. (9) About 8% of U.S. adults struggle with asthma which is more than children. (2) Asthma is six times more dangerous for adults than it is for children. (10) Adults who have never had asthma before can get occupational asthma which is when you are exposed to something at work. (8)

Myth 5: Your Asthma Medications Never Need To Change

There are different ways to manage asthma. A common misconception about asthma medicine is that it will lose its effect if taken every day, but asthma medication is made for long-term use. (9) Depending on the medication, some need to be taken every day whereas others are as needed. (3) There are quick relief and long-term relief treatment options. (1) Quick relief is usually an inhaler that is taken while you are having an asthma attack. (1) While long-term relief is a medicine that helps you manage asthma flare-ups, these types of medication will not be useful during an active asthma attack. (1) Examples of long-term relief medications are controller medications which are usually prescription pills or injections that can reduce inflammation. (5) It is important to know, that asthma medication should be taken as prescribed, and is not habit-forming. (9)

If you or someone you know might be experiencing symptoms of asthma, it’s important to consult with your Primary Care Provider. UNC Health Appalachian provides Primary Care Services across five convenient locations: AppFamily Medicine, AppInternal Medicine, Chestnut Ridge Medical, Baker Primary Care Center, and Elk River Medical.

Katharine is currently the Community Health Intern in the Community Outreach department for UNC Health Appalachian. Katharine is a senior at Appalachian State University and will graduate with her undergraduate degree in Public Health in May 2024.

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