Asthma Information Asthma Myths and Facts

If you're reading this page, then you must be looking for asthma information -- you might have asthma or you might know someone who have. One thing is clear though. Asthma is a serious disease and people who encounter this should be well-informed. In this page, I will confirm a few facts and debunk some myths. Welcome to Mythbusters!

I am not a doctor, but I do have the disease. i know how it feels like to catch my breath, how embarrassing it is to get those "wimpy" attacks, or how a hassle it is to go back to the house just because I forgot my inhaler. I have been diagnosed with a moderate-persistent type asthma, which mean, everyday, I get asthma attacks. But that was in the past.

I just love squeezing out information from my doctor. I ask TONS of questions, and I am proud to say that I am vigilant in maintaining the control for my disease. For this year, I only had two or three asthma attacks, and I feel like it is a pay-it-forward duty to spread quality information. Imagine this: if I pass good information to two person, and that two person will pass that information again to two more, and those two will do the same, a lot of persons will live a happy asthma-free life.

- That asthma affects 300 million people, and in 2005 alone, 255,000 people have died because of asthma?

- That each person has a different trigger (cause of attack)? Triggers may vary from dust, pollen, pet hair, food, medicine, exercise, climate, even strong emotions.

- That there are two types of medicines for asthma? One for control and one for relief. Neither is interchangeable!

- That you're paying your doctor, and it is thier duty to answer your question, no matter how stupid you think it might be?

Is there a cure for asthma? No. There is no cure for asthma. It is a chronic disease (that means you bear it for life) and even though you are feeling fine, you still have it, and an attack can strike anytime. The good news, however is with the right control methods, asthma attacks can be reduced to twice or once a year, even completely!

But this products says...Don't even finish that. Those people who invented that are cruel. They prey on the people who are not well informed. If there is REAL cure for asthma, CNN will tell you it exists. Not some sixty-dollar e-book!

I got this e-mail that says a poodle can cure asthma. Is it true?It is a hoax e-mail. Again there is no cure for asthma.

I heard eating house lizards can do asthmatics good. Any thoughts on this?No not true at all! Fun Fact: I learned this from experience. But that was when I was young and foolish enough to believe that I ate one! It tasted like... a reptile!

Is asthma contagious? No.

Asthma is all in the mind! No! It is a physiological disease. However, emotional triggers exist.

Asthma in children is curable. No. It can become dormant. And a person who had asthma as a child can still have it upon adulthood, giving only puberty and teenage years as "rest periods". I had my asthma "cured" when I was nine, and it went back when I was in college.

Asthmatics should not exercise. No. Actually asthmatic should exercise, as it strengthens the immune system. Swimming is the best exercise for asthma!

Asthma medication are addictive. Nope. They are not habit-forming.

Is there a cure for asthma? *rolls eyes* See the first question.

You can die from asthma! Yes. That's why it is so serious.

Is asthma hereditary? Yup. According to research, there is 30% chance to get it if one parent has it and 70% if both have it.

Alternatives to medication exist. Well, yes and no. If you define alternative as substitute, then definitely not. However if you define alternative as supplement (like a helping hand), then yes. Yoga and buteyko breathing techniques can help reduce asthma attacks, but they should still be used together with control and relief medication.

I heard strong coffee can help during attacks. Well, this one is true! I used to do this whenever I get an attack and I forgot my reliever meds. Caffeine helps in relaxing the air passages, so you can breathe easier. BUT, and there is a but, this should never replace real medicine!

Please check out my page at Squidoo.com, entitled, Is there a Cure for Asthma? Asthma Treatment and Remedies Explored.

Thanks for reading my first hub. I will make more information hubs. For the meanwhile, please rate and comment? Thanks!