Myths About Asthma

While knowledge about asthma has increased through the years, there are still many myths about the disease. Let's examine the more popular ones.

A common misconception is that asthma is an emotional problem which is rooted in psychological stress. While certain stressful situations may aggravate or trigger an asthma attack, the disorder is by no means emotional in origin.

The narrowing of the air passages which give rise to the symptoms of asthma is usually an allergic reaction to sub¬stances which a person is sensitive to. A problem-free individual will still experience episodes of asthma as long as that person encounters the things he or she is allergic to.

"Allergy in general and asthma in particular are not psychogenic in origin. While stress, anger, anxiety, fear and frustration can all worsen an asthmatic attack, or even trigger one, emotions are not the cause of the disease. However, once asthma becomes chromic and interferes with one's lifestyle, it may then result in psychological stress and behavioral problems, especially in children. These youngsters are often rendered social and psychological cripples - a tragedy that is totally unnecessary these days," said Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Cornell Medical Center in "Modern Prevention: The New Medicine."

Most asthmatics also harbor the mistaken belief that exer¬cise is bad for them. In reality, some asthmatics are athletes because the right exercise improves their respiratory function. The thing to remember is to avoid sudden bursts of activity since vigorous exercise can trigger an attack. How¬ever, there is no reason why you shouldn't exercise at all even if you have asthma.

"There are children and adults who develop asthma only after strenuous exercise. The attack is the result of cooling, evaporation and drying of the liming (mucosa) of the airways. Such exercise-induced asthma can be prevented by learning which physical activity and how much of it predictably provokes an attack in any given individual. Several of my patients, without any previous respiratory complaints, suddenly developed new-onset asthma. A careful history revealed that the attacks started after they began to jog, run or perform some other strenuous exercise. So if you're asthmatic, limit your physical 'rehabilitation1 to those activities that are fun, are good for you and de not provoke wheezing," Rosenfeld said. (Next: Swimming good for asthmatics.)

Since obesity is a factor in asthma, it pays to lose weight. To help you shed those unwanted pounds, take Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients. For details, visit http://www.zyroxin.com.