Do you know the truth behind these common asthma myths? Read on to test your knowledge about asthma.

Myth: You can outgrow asthma.

Fact: Some people may be diagnosed with asthma as a child and then find their symptoms improve when they become an adult. Or they may develop asthma as an adult and then their asthma seems to go into remission. While asthma can naturally improve over time, people with asthma should stay aware that symptoms can return. It can be controlled. It can improve. Your symptoms may get better but may reappear at any time.

Myth: If you don’t wheeze, you don’t have asthma.

Fact: Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma. But it’s not the only one. And not everyone with asthma has the same symptoms. You may only have one symptom, or you may have many symptoms. So if you don’t wheeze, you can still have asthma.

Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest tightness or pain
• Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Waking at night due to asthma symptoms
• A drop in your peak flow meter reading (if you use one)
  
  

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Myth: Face masks make asthma worse.

Fact: Face masks can actually benefit people with asthma. They can reduce your exposure to asthma triggers, like pollen, dust, and strong scents. They can also reduce your chance of catching a respiratory illness, such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

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Myth: Asthma isn’t a serious condition.

Fact: Asthma is serious. About 10 people die from asthma each day. It is one of the top reasons people miss work and school. Indigenous people have the highest asthma rates, deaths, and hospital stays. Asthma has a major impact on a person’s emotional, social, financial, and physical health.

Myth: People with asthma can’t live a “normal” life.

Fact: People with asthma absolutely can live a full, active life. If your asthma is well-controlled, it should not hold you back from doing every day activities and exercising. In fact, many Olympic and professional athletes have asthma. If asthma is affecting your quality of life, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan to find a way to help you get your asthma under control.