Asthma has been with me since day one, and as an elite ultra-athlete with asthma, I’ve faced a barrage of myths about it. This condition touches millions worldwide, yet misconceptions still run rampant—some so convincing they could’ve derailed my journey to soccer fields and ultra-marathon trails. I’m Jonny Havey, and I’m here to dismantle five asthma myths that nearly held me back, replacing them with the truths that power my life. So you can either follow along by reading the blog post below, watch my podcast episode in video form embedded above (and linked here) or take this podcast episode out on your next run or workout by listening to it on your favorite podcasting platform (click here).

1. Myth: Asthma Isn’t Serious

Truth: It’s a heavyweight I never underestimate.
People shrug off asthma as a minor nuisance, but I know better—it can turn deadly. I rarely reach for my rescue inhaler, but it’s always in my pack, a non-negotiable safety net. Doctors have drilled this into me: treat it seriously, consult experts, keep meds handy. As an ultra runner, I’ve learned asthma’s threat isn’t in its frequency—it’s in its potential.

2. Myth: Medication Is the Only Fix

Truth: I’ve built a bigger toolbox.
Sure, inhalers save the day, but they’re not my whole game plan. Running has strengthened my lungs, cutting my need for puffs. An integrative doc once told me to use medication only when symptoms hit, letting my body adapt naturally. Diet’s been clutch too—ditching inflammatory foods and leaning into anti-inflammatory ones keeps me steady. My triggers aren’t yours, though, so I’ve had to sleuth out what works for me.

3. Myth: Asthma Attacks Only Hit During Exercise

Truth: Trouble doesn’t wait for a starting line.
Think asthma only strikes mid-run? Not in my world. Smoke from wildfires, a blast of cold air, or a dusty trail can clamp my chest just as fast. I’ve battled smoky air during races and learned the hard way: triggers don’t care if I’m moving or not. My inhaler’s with me 24/7, and knowing what sets me off is as critical as any training plan.

4. Myth: Asthmatics Should Skip Workouts

Truth: I run because of asthma, not despite it.
Avoid exercise? That’s a myth I’ve crushed under my soles. Building lung power through movement has been my edge—starting with walks, then piling on intensity with progressive overload. As an ultra athlete, I don’t sidestep the grind; I lean into it, proving asthma doesn’t bench you if you train smart.

5. Myth: Asthma Can Be Cured

Truth: I manage it, not erase it.
Asthma’s a lifelong teammate—no cure, just strategy. With consistent runs, a dialed-in diet, and dodging trigger zones, I’ve tamed its roar. My inhaler’s still my emergency co-pilot, ready when things flare. I’m not chasing a finish line to end asthma; I’m racing to live big with it.

FInal Thoughts

These truths keep me in the game. Running—steady and deliberate—toughens my core. Tracking what I eat sidesteps inflammation and boosts what heals. And I stay accountable—my crew knows my condition, so I’m never caught off guard. Asthma myths once loomed like roadblocks; now, they’re just stepping stones.

Don’t let false ideas clip your wings. Check out my podcast, How to Cure Exercise-Induced Asthma Naturally, or snag my free guide, “Three Pillars of Healthy Living." I’m Jonny Havey, and I’m proof you can conquer trails—or anything else—with asthma in tow. Let’s rewrite your story together.

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS MY OPINION AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE.