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By Tara Beecher M.Pharm (read time 2 mins)
It’s World Asthma Day on 6th May 2021 and this year’s theme addresses common misconceptions related to asthma. Our pharmacists have shared with us some of the asthma myths they have heard and busted in our pharmacies.
Myth: It’s just asthma, it isn’t a big deal, no one dies from it.
This is an alarming common belief with 31% of asthmatics in Australia being unaware of the potential seriousness of their disease. Unfortunately, 421 deaths in 2019 and 39,000 hospitalisations from 2017-18 were due to asthma. If asthma is undertreated it can actually be very serious.
Myth: Asthma is easily controlled.
With the right treatment, asthma symptoms can be controlled. However, statistics show that up to 41% of asthmatics don’t have good control of their asthma symptoms. Signs of good control include being able to do all of your usual activities with no symptoms, not waking from symptoms during the night, having daytime symptoms no more than two days per week, and not needing your reliever medication on more than two days per week. Do you think you have good control of your asthma? Take Asthma Control Test online from Asthma Australia.
Myth: I know how to use my inhaler. I don’t need a spacer.
Studies have shown that 9 out of 10 asthmatics are not using their inhalers correctly. When using an inhaler on its own most of the medicine ends up in the mouth or stomach. Using a spacer can help make it easier to coordinate the dose ensuring that the full dose gets to the lungs. Looking for more information about spacers? Head to Spacers and Asthma – What you need to know.
Myth: I only use my asthma inhaler when I really need it.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma but it can be managed very well if treated correctly. When it comes to asthma treatment, prevention is best! Unfortunately, a lot of asthmatics are over-reliant on their asthma reliever medication and don’t use their prevention medication. As the preventer inhaler makes you feel well, it can be easy to become complacent and stop using it. This can lead to sudden flare-ups of your asthma symptoms and overuse of reliever medication. If you are using your reliever medication more than a few times a week you should have a review with your doctor.
Myth: Asthmatics should avoid exercise.
Asthma doesn’t mean you should avoid exercise or sport. Exercise-induced asthma can be concerning for some people but with an Asthma Action Plan in place, exercise can be part of your normal routine and improve overall health. In fact, some of Australia’s best athletes are asthmatics, such as Olympians Cathy Freeman and Samantha Riley.
Myth: I don’t need my flu vaccination every year.
Respiratory viruses such as influenza can have a significant impact on the airways of a person with asthma. An infection can cause a severe flare-up of symptoms and lead to hospitalisation. The annual flu vaccination helps reduce your risk of contracting the flu. Our pharmacists are vaccinating now and you can book your annual flu vaccine here.
