A Brief about Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease causing severe inflammation in the lungs, affecting the airways due to which a person suffers from breathing trouble. In asthma, the airways produce extra mucus, swelling up and narrowing the passage that triggers coughing, whistling sound, and shortness of breath.

While asthma has no cure, the symptoms can be controlled and managed with the right treatment.

Often, symptoms of asthma worsen due to which some people experience mild to severe episodes of “asthma attack”. It is important to consult a doctor to track your signs and symptoms and plan the treatment as per the overall condition.

Due to a lack of awareness, many people tend to believe in hearsay about asthma. It is the need of the hour to burst the bubble of false beliefs for such chronic medical conditions when cases of COVID-19 are soaring.

Impact of COVID-19 on Asthma patients

The spread of the COVID-19 virus might be an alarm to take necessary precautions for those with asthma. It doesn’t imply that they are at a higher risk for contracting the virus because of asthma. If ignored, the interchangeable symptoms of COVID-19 and asthma may result in critical outcomes for the asthma sufferers. It is advisable to continue taking their prescribed medications and avoid non-medical practices to prevent exacerbations of their asthma.

Following this year’s World Asthma Day theme, ’Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions‘, we have collated some facts to raise awareness and improve the lives of people living with asthma during this pandemic.

Breaking Myths about Asthma

If you are struggling with asthmatic symptoms, or have been diagnosed with the condition, don’t believe all that the Internet has to say. During any crisis, rumour mongering and spreading myths can adversely affect the proper management of any condition for patients and their families. If you want help, consult a professional and learn from authentic healthcare websites. Here, we have busted some common myths and uncovered facts about Asthma and COVID-19.

Myth: Asthma is not a big deal; it’s all in your head

Fact:  Asthma is a chronic, life-threatening disease affecting the airways; it’s definitely not a psychological disorder but a physical disease. Asthma weakens the lungs and immune system of a person due to which the organ overreacts to certain triggers present in the air, including pollution, viral illnesses, and seasonal allergies that result in prolonged coughing, tightness in the chest, and other symptoms. It is essential to know that asthma is not an outcome of stress, anxiety, or any other mental illnesses but sometimes it can provoke some symptoms during an ‘asthma attack’.

Myth: Physical activity puts people with asthma at higher risk of COVID-19. 

Fact: Physical exercise never harms your body, and for asthma patients, it is necessary to get involved in moderate activities to remain healthy and fit to decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection. With proper management, exercise can offer many benefits, such as reducing symptoms, stabilizing breathing, and minimizing airway inflammation, say pulmonologists of AMRI Hospitals. Staying active is absolutely necessary for people living with asthma, so consult your doctor and add a few exercises to your daily routine.

Myth: Children with asthma are not likely to get COVID-19; as it majorly affects older people.

Fact: It is important to understand that COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and people who are already suffering from chronic respiratory ailments, such as asthma or COPD, maybe at a higher risk of complications despite their age. Children or adults both have to take extra precautions equally to manage underlying lung disease in order to prevent from contracting COVID-19. If infected, seek immediate medical attention and get medications and treatment on time.

Conclusion

Once diagnosed, you cannot outgrow asthma! A healthy lifestyle and timely treatment play a crucial role in minimizing the symptoms of asthma. At this time, when the second wave of COVID-19 has led to an exponential rise in cases, asthma or COPD patients should take professional help for the right management, which is suitable with the ongoing condition to prevent asthma attacks.