What is a common misconception regarding asthma?

Asthma is often misunderstood as solely a childhood disease, which is a significant misconception. While many individuals may experience the onset of asthma during childhood, it can also develop in adults. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects individuals at any age, and symptoms can emerge later in life due to various factors such as environmental triggers, respiratory infections, or lifestyle changes.

Understanding that asthma can be a lifelong condition that may change over time helps to demystify the nature of the disease. Adults can be diagnosed with asthma and may experience symptoms without having had them during childhood. Recognizing the potential for asthma to affect individuals throughout their entire lifespan is crucial in promoting awareness, encouraging proper diagnosis, and ensuring effective management strategies for all age groups.

The other options reflect misconceptions that, while they may contain elements of truth (such as allergies being a common trigger for asthma), do not consider the full spectrum and variability of the disease as it can affect a wide range of individuals beyond just children.