Common myths about asthma include:

Belief: Asthma can be cured.
Reality: There is no cure for asthma, but treatment can help control the symptoms.

Belief: Inhaled asthma medications are dangerous.
Reality: Inhaled asthma medications are very safe and effective.

Belief: Alternative medications and herbs are as effective as prescribed medications.
Reality: Alternative medicines should never be used to treat asthma. Only prescribed medications are proven to be effective.

Belief: Chiropractors can treat asthma effectively.
Reality: Asthma is not caused by problems with the spine. Chiropractic treatment has no proven benefit in the treatment of asthma.

Belief: People whose asthma is caused by a pet allergy are reacting to the animal hair.
Reality: Protein in the skin (dander), saliva, or urine triggers asthma in those who have pet allergies.

Belief: If you expose yourself to your pet more often, your body will adjust and your asthma symptoms will improve.
Reality: This is not true. The only way to improve your asthma symptoms is to remove the pet from your home.

Belief: Children will outgrow asthma.
Reality: Although some children experience improvement when they enter adolescence, symptoms return as an adult.

Belief: Moving to the Southwest will cure asthma that is caused by allergies.
Reality: Although some people with allergies experience improvement following the move, most of these people develop allergies to substances in the Southwest.

Belief: Smoking does not trigger asthma attacks.
Reality: Smoking triggers asthma and makes asthma worse.