NEWS
World Asthma day 2021
Asthma charity addresses common asthma myths and misconceptions
Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the lungs which can cause symptoms of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing – making it difficult to breathe. There are over 5.4 million people living with asthma in the United Kingdom, and about 368,000 people in Scotland.
World Asthma Day is an event held each May to improve awareness of asthma and care around the world. The theme for this year’s World Asthma Day is “Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions” to address common myths and misconceptions about asthma.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation, Scotland’s only dedicated asthma charity, provides free evidence-based health information, confidential advice, and support to people with asthma, their families, carers, and friends across Scotland. Commenting on the theme, Dami Jaiyesimi, Heath Promotion Manager said “Although asthma is a very common condition, there is still a lot of misinformation about it in our communities. Asthma can be controlled; With proper education and treatment and people living with the condition can lead full, active lives – just like everyone else. On this World Asthma Day, we want to use this opportunity to address common widely held myths and misconceptions concerning asthma, that prevent people with asthma from living healthy and optimal lives”.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation shares the truth behind the most common misconceptions and myths about asthma.
- “People with asthma should avoid physical activity and sports”.
Exercise is beneficial for everyone and can even strengthen the lungs, helping improve asthma control. While exercise can be an asthma trigger, with proper management, people with asthma are able to participate in sports and other physical activities. In fact, many people with asthma have gone on to become successful athletes and Olympians.
- “Asthma is a childhood condition”.
Although asthma is very common in children, anyone can develop asthma at any age. Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
- “Children can outgrow asthma”.
some children’s asthma will disappear, some will go away temporarily and return years later, and other children never outgrow it.
- “Asthma is all in the head or an anxiety disorder”.
Asthma is a chronic, or long-term condition that inflames and narrows the airways of your lungs, and symptoms can be triggered by physical and emotional stress.
- “Asthma is the same for everyone”.
Asthma can affect each person differently. One person may show several symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness, and breathlessness, while someone else may only cough. People with asthma also have different triggers.
- “Asthma is not serious”.
Asthma is a very serious condition – 3 people die every day from an asthma attack in the UK. Anyone with asthma, even those termed as “mild”, can experience a potentially life-threatening asthma attack when exposed to asthma triggers.
For more advice and support managing asthma, call Asthma and Allergy Foundation on 01224 973001, email info@asthmaandallergy.org.uk, or visit www.asthmaandallergy.org.uk.
