Millions of people around the world suffer from asthma, which is a chronic disease of the lungs.
When exposed to triggers such as dust, smoke, mould, those with asthma will find it difficult to breathe due to their airways becoming inflamed and narrow.
Common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness - with the condition being life-threatening for some people.
However, despite being a common medical condition, there several myths and misconceptions surrounding asthma.
This World Asthma Day, on May 3, we take a look at the five most common myths surrounding asthma, according to respiratory physician Dr Enson Thomas.
People with asthma shouldn't exercise
There is a common misconception that people with asthma should restrict physically-intense daily activities, completely avoid or be unable to exercise.
However, Dr Enson Thomas, explains that this is not true as symptoms of asthma can be well controlled with correct treatment that is also widely available.
This means that can live completely normal lives with no restrictions on activities like sports or exercise.
Asthma is a childhood disease
Many believe that adults don't suffer with asthma. However, asthma is a condition which can develop regardless of age.
Though it does often develop at a young age, the disease can develop at any age including among people who are in 70s and 80s.
No wheeze means no asthma
A common belief about asthma is that a wheeze is the only indication of the condition. However, Dr Thomas explains that there are several different types of asthma.
In a number of cases, patients with asthma have a persistent cough rather than wheeze or breathlessness. A cough can be just as debilitating as a wheeze and can significantly affect quality of life - fortunately Dr Thomas assures it can be easily treated.
Asthma medication becomes less effective
People believe that medications for asthma tend to lead to dependency, which in turn makes the medication less effective with time.
This is untrue as many asthmatics can control their conditions with their medication without a forming a habit or dependence on the drugs.
We also need to keep in mind that the severity of asthma can increase and decrease with time so the dose of medicines need to be adjusted accordingly as well, though the aim is to keep the condition well controlled with the lowest possible dose of medication.
Asthma is not a serious disease
Asthma might be one of the most common lung conditions, however that doesn't mean it is not a serious illness. If not treated or controlled properly, it can even prove to be fatal.
More than a 1000 patients die from asthma every year and the death rates are steadily increasing, going up by over 30% in the past decade.
Though the condition is a serious one, asthma can be treated easily and deaths are very preventable as well.
If you think you or your child has asthma, you should see a GP. They will be able to diagnose asthma by asking about symptoms and carrying out some simple tests.
