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Preventing Asthma

There are no guidelines for preventing asthma because the cause is unknown. However, you can help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding things that trigger the attacks.Some general guidelines include:

Keep windows closed.
Consider getting HEPA filters for your heating/cooling system and your vacuum cleaner.
Keep the humidity down in your house.
Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during days with high air pollution, a high pollen count, or a high ozone level.
Get a yearly flu shot.
Treat allergies and sinusitis.
Don't smoke.
Avoid breathing in chemicals or second-hand smoke.
Don't regularly use a wood-burning stove . Researchers reported that heating systems that are more efficient and non-polluting can help to reduce asthma symptoms in children. *¹
If allergies trigger your asthma attacks, ask your doctor about allergy shots.
Talk to your doctor about:
- An appropriate level of exercise for you
- Ways track your asthma-This will help you to identify and treat flare-ups right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Allergy Asthma Information Association
http://aaia.ca/

The Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/

References:

Bone R, et al. Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine . St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc; 1998.

Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000.

Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.

High ozone levels harmful to respiratory system, especially for asthmatics. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at http://www.aaaai.org/media/resources/academy_statements/position_statements/mold.pdf . Accessed June 23, 2008.

Kleigman RM, Jensen HB, Behrman RE, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007.

*¹10/29/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Howden-Chapman P, Pierse N, Nicholls S, et al. Effects of improved home heating on asthma in community dwelling children: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2008 Sep 23.

*²1/6/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Levenson M. Long-acting beta-agonists and adverse asthma events meta-analysis. Joint Meeting of the Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee, Drug Safety andRisk Management Advisory Committee and Pediatric Advisory Committee. December 10-11, 2008.

*³2/17/2009 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Bailey EJ, Cates CJ, Kruske S, Morris A, Chang A, Brown N. Culture-specific programs for children and adults from minority groups who have asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD006580.

Last reviewed February 2009 by Julie D.K. McNairn, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Asthma Support Group

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