Major Myths about Asthma and Allergies

You encounter a lot of myths and misinformation about asthma and allergies. The untruths and misconceptions about asthma spread like pollen in springtime. The following list includes incorrect statements you should never fall for:

Moving to Arizona will cure my asthma and allergies.	My friends and family say that my asthma is all in my head.	I'll try to drop by my doctor's office for allergy shots when it's convenient for me. I don't need to stick to a regular schedule for immunotherapy.
A cat or dog with short hair is safer for my asthma than a long-haired pet.	The only medication I'll ever need for my asthma is a quick-relief, over-the-counter (OTC) rescue inhaler such as albuterol, Proventil, or Ventolin.	I don't need to check with my doctor. I can just give my child half an adult dose of my asthma or allergy medication.
Asthma is contagious.	I get stomach cramps and diarrhea every time I drink milk, so I must be allergic to it.	Nothing's going to happen during the flight, so why bother packing my asthma and allergy medications in my carry-on bag?
I can't exercise because I have asthma.	Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is just a minor annoyance and won't cause any serious problems.	I'll figure out how to use an epinephrine kit (for example, EpiPen) when I need it.
I just have a recurring chest cold. I don't need to check for asthma.	I can take as many OTC medications as I want, because if I don't need a prescription for them, these products probably don't cause any side effects. Besides, my doctor didn't prescribe them, so it's none of his or her business if I'm taking them.	I can't do much to improve my asthma, so I'll have to settle for less and just live with my condition.
My children don't need to be evaluated or treated for asthma because they'll outgrow it anyway.	I should stop taking all my allergy and asthma medication while I'm pregnant.

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