10 Ways to Prevent Asthma

Asthma is a major disease that is prevalent and affects people of all age groups. It is important that we prevent asthma by using proper techniques.  Simple environmental conditions and controls can ensure that you prevent asthma.

Refer to the list given below for preventing asthma.

 Environment:

Extremely hot and humid weather and poor air quality can exacerbate asthma. Limit outdoor activity when these conditions exist. Avoid varying temperature in short time

Limit Dust Exposure:

• Remove carpets and stuffed toys from bedrooms. If carpeting cannot be removed vacuum at least twice a week with a HEPA air filters.
• Dust all surfaces with a damp cloth.
• Store washed clothes in drawer and closets.
• Use allergy-proof covers on pillows and mattresses. Wash bedding in hot water (above 130 degrees) to get rid of dust mites
• Prevent Mold and Mildew. Mold is a common Asthma trigger. Fix leaky faucets. To remove mold in your home, remove household plants and keep bathrooms clean and dry by opening a window or using a bathroom fan during showers or baths.

 Say No To Smoke:

• If you smoke cigarette-quiet immediately,
• Avoid passive smoking. Breathing smoke-even secondhand smoke and smoke on clothing, furniture or drapes-can trigger an Asthma attack. Be sure to ask for a smoke-free hotel room when travelling
• Make sure your kitchen has a proper exhaust fan
• Do not allow others to smoke in your home and car
• These are some aggravating factor for asthma –
  • Air pollution
  • Allergies
  • Cold air
  • Sinusitis
  • Fragrance etc.

You need to know about these asthma aggravating factor and avoid them.

Allergies and Asthma:

If you have allergies and asthma try to avoid allergens to which you are sensitive. Allergen can cause inflammation of the airways in asthma people and cause asthma exacerbation. So avoiding or minimizing contact with the allergen may prevent an asthma attack.

• Stay away from pets. Avoid close contact with pets. Do not allow pets in bedrooms or on furniture. Pets dander-a common asthma trigger-is often difficult to avoid entirely.
• Avoid harsh cleaning products and chemicals. Fumes from household cleaners can trigger Asthma. Avoid inhaling fumes at home and prevent exposure away from home as much as possible.
• Avoid stress. Intense emotions and worry often worsen asthma symptoms so take steps to relieve stress in your life. Make time for things you enjoy doing-and for relaxation. Do meditation and yoga for relaxation.
• Exercise indoors   :-physical activity is important-even for people with asthma. Reduce the risk for exercise-induced asthma attacks by working out inside on very cold or very warm days. Avoid vigorous and prolong exercise.

 Avoid Getting Sick:

• Take good care of yourself during cold and flu season. Avoid close contact with people who have flu it may worsen your asthma symptoms. Wash your hands properly after touching items in common use that may have been handled by people with respiratory infection.
• Take care of your seasonal allergies. Allergy and asthma are closely related, so talk to your doctor if you have hay fever .Use medications as directed and stay inside as much as possible when pollen counts are high
• Flu vaccine for asthma: Flu vaccine every year for protection against flu virus. Asthma people are more vulnerable to pneumonia. Also should get pneumococcal vaccine once every five years.
• Keep quick-relief asthma medicines readily available.
• Talk to your child’s teachers and coaches. Chalk dust can trigger an asthma attack-so it may be helpful for your child to sit away from chalkboards in class.

Dietary Changes:

• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Eat food rich in OMEGA – 3 Fatty Acids. Foods High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids include flaxseed oil, fish oil, chia seeds, walnuts, fish roe(eggs), fatty fish, seafood, soybeans, and spinach.”
• Avoid eating processed and packaged foods with artificial additives and preservatives.
• Avoid heavy and fatty meals.