Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 31: A 7-year-old girl who had been suffering from dry cough and wheezing for nearly two years was recently diagnosed with asthma. Her condition, marked by repeated episodes of cough lasting up to ten days, had started disturbing her sleep. When doctors prescribed inhalers, her parents were filled with doubt and fear. Influenced by friends who warned that inhalers could cause “dependency,” they hesitated to continue the treatment — a situation that many families across India find themselves in.

Doctors say such misconceptions often prevent children from receiving timely and effective asthma care. Inhalers, contrary to popular belief, are not addictive but are the most effective and safe way to control asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Asthma, they explain, is a chronic condition caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. While many parents believe it affects only those who have visible breathing difficulty, the truth is that asthma can present itself differently in each child. Even without heavy breathing, a persistent dry cough or chest tightness could be signs of asthma.

Another common misconception is that asthma cannot appear suddenly in children who were previously healthy. Doctors clarify that asthma can develop at any stage of childhood or even adulthood and is not necessarily a congenital condition.

Parents often worry that steroid-based inhalers can affect a child’s growth or cause dependence. Experts assure that the steroid content in inhalers is extremely low and acts locally in the lungs, without affecting the rest of the body. In fact, poorly controlled asthma can harm a child’s overall growth and development far more than inhaler use.

Many families also believe inhalers should be used only when symptoms appear. However, doctors emphasize that regular and consistent use is vital to control airway inflammation. Stopping treatment when the child feels better can trigger severe attacks and lead to hospital admissions.

Medical experts reiterate that inhalers remain the gold standard in asthma treatment and have very few side effects when used correctly. Parents are urged to rely on medical advice rather than unverified information from social media or word of mouth.

With awareness and timely care, asthma can be effectively managed — allowing every child to lead a healthy, active, and unrestricted life.