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May is Asthma Awareness Month, a time dedicated to improving understanding of a chronic condition that affects more than 24 million people in the United States alone. Despite how common asthma is, it remains widely misunderstood and, in many cases, under-recognized or undertreated.
As an allergist and immunologist, Dr. Parikh often sees patients surprised by how complex asthma truly is. It is not just occasional wheezing or shortness of breath: it is a chronic inflammatory condition that requires ongoing awareness, management, and individualized care. Below are 10 important facts everyone should know.
1. Asthma Is Always a Serious Condition
Asthma can range from mild to severe, but it should never be dismissed as “not serious.” In the United States, approximately 10 people die from asthma each day. Alarmingly, some individuals who experience life-threatening attacks were previously told their asthma was mild or well-controlled.
This is why consistent monitoring and communication with a healthcare provider is essential, even when symptoms seem infrequent or manageable.
2. Many People Are Not as Controlled as They Think
A significant number of individuals with asthma believe their condition is under control when it is not. Overuse of rescue inhalers, nighttime symptoms, or frequent medication refills can all signal poor control.
As a general guideline, if a quick-relief inhaler is needed more than twice per week (outside of exercise), if symptoms occur more than twice per month at night, or if refills are needed more than twice per year, it may be time to reassess the treatment plan with a physician. Proper control often requires adjustments in long-term management, not just symptom relief.
3. Asthma Is an Inflammatory Disease, Not Just Symptoms
Asthma is often recognized by coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness, but these are only outward signs of a deeper process: chronic airway inflammation.
Because this inflammation is not visible or always felt, patients may mistakenly stop taking prescribed controller medications when symptoms improve. However, daily anti-inflammatory treatment is often essential to prevent flare-ups and long-term airway damage.
4. Asthma Can Affect Anyone, at Any Age
Asthma is not limited to childhood. It can develop in adulthood, appear for the first time during pregnancy, or emerge in response to environmental or occupational triggers such as allergens, infections, or exercise.
In children, asthma may also be triggered or worsened by viral illnesses like the flu or common cold, making ongoing awareness especially important in early life.
5. Asthma Is Lifelong and Can Change Over Time
Many people believe children will simply “outgrow” asthma, but this is a misconception. While symptoms may improve or go into remission, underlying airway sensitivity often persists.
Asthma can also reappear or worsen later in life, especially with hormonal changes, environmental exposures, or aging. Ongoing evaluation throughout life is key to maintaining control.
6. Exercise Is Not Only Safe; It’s Beneficial
People with asthma should not avoid physical activity. In fact, regular exercise strengthens the lungs and cardiovascular system.
With proper management, including pre-treatment when needed and adequate warm-up and cool-down periods, most individuals with asthma can exercise safely. Many elite and Olympic athletes successfully compete while managing asthma.
7. Asthma and Allergies Are Closely Connected
Approximately 70% of people with asthma also have allergies. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold can significantly increase airway inflammation and trigger symptoms.
When allergies are properly controlled through avoidance strategies, medications, or immunotherapy, asthma control often improves as well.
8. Environmental Exposures Matter, Especially Early in Life
Exposure to secondhand smoke and air pollution, particularly during childhood or even during pregnancy, increases the risk of developing asthma later in life.
Creating a smoke-free environment at home and in vehicles is one of the most important preventive steps families can take. Reducing exposure to known irritants can have lasting respiratory health benefits.
9. Asthma Medications Are Safe and Non-Addictive
There is often confusion around asthma medications, particularly corticosteroids. These medications are not addictive and are not the same as anabolic steroids used in other contexts.
Inhaled corticosteroids are a cornerstone of asthma management because they reduce airway inflammation and help prevent serious attacks when used appropriately under medical supervision.
10. Treatment Is Increasingly Personalized
Asthma is not one-size-fits-all. Each patient’s triggers, severity, and response to treatment can vary widely, which is why proper management and monitoring are essential, especially when it comes to physical activity, as patients should not exercise if their asthma is not well controlled. Advances in biologic therapies and targeted treatments are transforming care for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. These newer options allow physicians to address specific immune pathways, offering more personalized and effective long-term control.
About the Expert
Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, a leading nonprofit patient education organization for individuals with allergies, asthma, and related conditions. She practices in New York City at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill and is affiliated with the NYU School of Medicine.
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