​"Those with asthma need to slow down": THIS and other myths around asthma busted here​

In order to create awareness around asthma, a respiratory disease, World Asthma Day is observed on May 2 every year. The day is observed by Global Initiative for Asthma, (GINA).

For 2023, the theme of World Asthma Day is "Asthma care for all".

Of the many obstacles that hinder the accessibility of asthma treatment, a prominent one is myths and misinformation.

"Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. When the air passages get narrowed, the air entering the lung is reduced , thereby delivery of oxygen from air to the bloodstream is reduced. The symptoms occur when the lining of the bronchi swells and the muscles around the bronchi tighten," says Dr. Gopi Krishna Yedlapati, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad.

Asthma is a genetic disease which can be controlled well but not cured. Asthma attacks occur after the patients get exposed to allergens, dust, pollution, extreme weather conditions, viral infections, and also occur in special conditions like emotional disturbances, exercise and some drugs like painkillers, adds Dr Yedlapati.

People link this respiratory illness with the stamina of an individual and many people who have asthma are asked to slow down and not get involved in playing sports or do any sort of physical activity.

“Exercise is one of the triggering factors in a subset of asthmatic patients. A planned approach towards exercise induced asthma can make these people to perform well during exercise and also prevent symptoms. Studies also have shown that asthmatics who have regular physical activity are 2.5 times more likely to avoid asthmatic attacks when compared to people who don't exercise,” explains Yedlapati.

"Sports and other forms of activity are just as important for someone with asthma as they are for someone without asthma. It is important to control a child’s asthma and make sure they follow the guidelines set by their doctor to take controller medications, as well as ensure that they take medications before the sports activity. They should be aware of an action plan to help prevent asthma attacks," says Dr Shahid Patel, Consultant Pulmonologist, Medicover Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Many consider inhalers as addictive and discourage asthmatic people to not use it regularly.

On inhalers and this myth Dr Patel says, "Inhaled therapy is beneficial for patients as it reduces the inflammation of airways, improves pulmonary functions, and since it acts directly where it is needed(in the lungs) , the dosage of the medicines required decreases significantly as compared to oral medications."

He also spoke on oral medications. " But, a large number of asthma patients have oral medications due to the stigma attached to inhalers. Oral medications lead to more side effects and are required in large doses in comparison to inhalers, which is an effective treatment. Avoid fretting, as inhalers are completely safe and should be used by patients without any hesitation."

"Multiple Data and Research suggests inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the preferred treatment for persistent asthma. When used at recommended doses for most patients, the benefits of ICS outweigh the risks. These steroids are not similar to the anabolic steroids used by athletes to build muscle. Inhaled corticosteroids do not hinder a child’s growth.” says Dr Patel.

“Studies have shown that children using inhaled corticosteroids reach normal adult height. A child suffering from asthma symptoms regularly may experience stunted growth. This is due to the fact that a sick child will not grow at the same rate as a good child. Consult a doctor to chalk out an effective action plan to treat your child’s asthma," explains Dr Patel.

Asthma can not be cured, but if treated early, it can be managed, says the WHO.

"Asthma is a lifelong disease, but manageable and controllable. Asthma in children can diminish or vanish completely as it is less serious. When children’s lungs grow, the airways expand. However, the symptoms of asthma can get triggered again without prior warning. However, the symptoms of asthma can get triggered without prior warning," explains Dr Patel.

"Controlling any medical condition during pregnancy is important to mothers health as well as the health of the baby. Many medications are contraindicated during pregnancy in view of risks for growth of the fetus as well as malformations. Uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can lead to complications like low birth weight, and premature delivery. Treatment options like inhalers are very safe to use during pregnancy even though they contain steroids.Inhaler therapy is safe during labour as well as during breastfeeding of the baby," Dr Yedlapati explains.

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