Asthma Myths
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We'd like to set the record straight about some common myths about asthma:
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Myth: You grow out of asthma or asthma gets better as you get older.
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The Facts:
Asthma is a life-long condition. A child's asthma can get better or worse over time and some very young children with asthma may get much better as they (and their lungs) grow, but for most people, asthma is present for the rest of their life.
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Myth: Sports and physical activity make asthma worse.
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The Facts:
Physical activity, and the conditioning that comes with it, should be part of every child's life, including those with asthma. Asthma should not interfere with physical activity; however, your child may need medication in order to participate fully. Always check with your healthcare provider first.
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Myth: Everybody's asthma is the same.
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The Facts:
Asthma severity can vary greatly from one person to another. Treatment for one person may not be the same as for another. Talk with your healthcare provider or refer to your Asthma Action Plan, and never share asthma medications with someone else.
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Myth: Asthma is an emotional illness.
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The Facts:
Asthma is caused by inflammation and constriction in the lungs. It is stressful to have an asthma attack, but emotions do not cause asthma.
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Myth: It's better to 'tough it out' without taking asthma medication.
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The Facts:
The lungs do not get stronger or better able to deal with asthma if a person tries to work through an attack without medication. In fact, the lung inflammation that goes along with an attack can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Always use medication according to the Asthma Action Plan. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider.
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Myth: Steroids used in asthma are dangerous.
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The Facts:
The corticosteroids used to control asthma are not the same as the often illegal steroids used by some athletes and have no effect on muscles or athletic performance. They are related to the steroids found in creams to reduce itch or inflammation of the skin. Many scientific studies have shown asthma medications to be safe over long periods of use.
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Myth: Steroids used in asthma will stunt growth.
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The Facts:
Large medical studies have shown that children using inhaled corticosteroids will eventually reach their normal height, although there may be very small, temporary delays in growth initially. However, it has been clearly shown that untreated asthma and the resulting permanent damages to the lungs have a significant effect on reducing growth. Be sure to work with your healthcare provider and the Asthma Action Plan to treat your child's asthma in the best possible way.
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