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South Africa is ranked fifth for Asthma mortality in the world, and the nation’s prevalence is among the highest globally. Johannesburg-based GP Doctor Marlin McKay, who practices at the Goldman Medical Centre, says that as the prevalence in Asthma climbs, so too do the myths surrounding the lung disease. He tackles some common Asthma myths and provides guidance for asthmatics and those who care for them.

Myth 1: You cannot die from Asthma

“For those who don’t believe severe Asthma can be a life-threatening illness, a wakeup call should be the fact that South Africa ranks fifth globally for Asthma mortality,” says Dr McKay. He urges people to note that South Africa’s Asthma prevalence is among the highest in the world,
and adds, “we have to take action, and that starts with examining over-reliance on Asthma reliever pumps”.

Myth 2: You can never be over-reliant on your Asthma pump

“Many asthmatic patients use a maintenance inhaler which contains an anti-inflammatory medicine; they also use a symptom reliever inhaler which is blue in colour and contains an item which opens up the airways also known
as short-acting beta-2-agonists (SABA). ^1,2

Asthma patients frequently underuse anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy, and instead over-rely on SABA reliever therapy which provides rapid and temporary relief. The problem with this approach is that it can mask the worsening of symptoms and actually increases the risk of
Asthma attacks.” ^3-6

Myth 3: COVID-19 increases your chances of an Asthma attack

Dr McKay explains that COVID-19 can affect your nose, throat and lungs (respiratory tract) which in turn may cause an Asthma attack. “We also know that an attack could possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease, making patients vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. However, if your Asthma is well controlled and you are not
over-using your reliever pumps, you are no more likely to be hospitalised than patients without Asthma. ⁷”

Myth 4: Asthma medications are habit forming and dangerous

To debunk this myth, Dr McKay explains that it is important to distinguish between Asthma reliever inhalers. “The use of SABA blue inhalers to control Asthma symptoms increases the risk of Asthma attacks. ^1,8,9 Patients are recommended instead the use of a low dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-formoterol therapy as needed as the preferred reliever therapy across all Asthma severities.” ¹

Myth 5: Asthma can be cured

Dr McKay confirms that there is no cure for Asthma. “It is a highly treatable disease; in fact, Asthma treatments are so effective that many of my patients have near-complete control of their symptoms.”

Myth 6: You should avoid exercise if you have Asthma

There are so many exercise options to choose from that will benefit those who live with Asthma, explains Dr McKay. From less strenuous options like walking, hiking and golf, to increasing the pace by swimming, jogging or playing a team sport.

“With the right approach, being active can benefit your Asthma symptoms. Exercise can increase lung capacity, it tackles inflammation and will generally improve lung health. If you’re nervous about getting active, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional and work out some
fitness goals.”

Myth 7: Stress and Asthma are unrelated

Our fast-paced life brings with it a lot of stress, and for those with Asthma it can be a common trigger. ¹⁰ “Daily stress, anxiety and panic can make you feel short of breath, which can present as Asthma. Many of my patients report that focusing on breathing exercises helps them relax and work through the anxiety at a steady pace. Asthmatics should also avoid alcohol and caffeine and seek support from loved ones.”

Myth 8: Sleep habits are unimportant if you have Asthma

The bottom line is, if you are not sleeping well you have less energy and resources to cope with the next day. “Getting a good night’s sleep cannot be understated and there is a lot you can do to help yourself. For example, avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise for several hours before bedtime; avoid watching TV or being on a device in bed; only go to bed when you are tired; and sleep for the same amount of hours every night,” says Dr McKay.

Myth 9: An inhaler cancels the effects of smoking with Asthma

“The truth about smoking is that it causes irritation and damage to the lungs and will make your Asthma worse! Asthmatics have sensitive airways inside their lungs and triggers can cause these airways to narrow – one such trigger is smoking. On top of that, smoking irritates Asthma symptoms, and smokers can have more frequent and more severe Asthma attacks.”

Myth 10: Diet is irrelevant for asthmatics

Dr McKay says there is no specific diet recommended for asthmatics, but certain foods and nutrients can help support lung function and reduce Asthma symptoms.

“Eating the right foods gives us energy throughout the day and supports our immune system. Some patients report that eating less refined sugars and carbohydrates, and more healthy fats, helps them breathe easier. The role of Vitamin D (found in oily fish such as sardines and salmon, orange juice, egg yolks, mushrooms, etc.) and Vitamin E (almonds, hazelnuts, raw seeds, kale, broccoli, etc.) play an important role in boosting the immune system.” ¹¹