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What Should I Know About Asthma Prevention?

K T Solis
K T Solis

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that plagues people of all ages and races. It causes wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughing. People with asthma have inflamed airways that narrow when various substances are breathed into the lungs. When the airways constrict, a person suffers from an asthma attack. Sometimes symptoms are mild and go away after asthma medication is administered. Other times, symptoms may be severe and require a trip to the emergency room. In extreme cases, an asthma attack may result in death.

Asthma attacks are triggered by smoke, strong odors, dust mites, molds, upper respiratory infections, exercise, and weather fluctuations. Avoid asthma triggers by keeping a daily diary. When an asthmatic records foods eaten and activities performed throughout the day, she can pinpoint which foods and activities serve as triggers. Asthma prevention involves watching for warning signs of an attack as well. A runny nose, cough, trigger exposure, and worsening allergies are all warnings that an asthma attack may occur.

Secondhand smoke rising from a cigarette, which can trigger asthma attacks.
Secondhand smoke rising from a cigarette, which can trigger asthma attacks.

People who suffer from asthma can contribute to their own asthma prevention by removing heavy curtains, carpets, and stuffed animals from the home. This is because these items collect dust, thereby contributing to allergies and asthma attacks. Cover mattresses and pillows with airtight, plastic coverings that are allergy proof. Every one to two weeks, it's important to wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water.

If a household has pets with fur or feathers, banish them from the bedrooms. Allowing pets to sleep in the bedroom can trigger asthma attacks and allergies. Keeping pets out of rooms where asthmatics sleep contributes to asthma prevention.

An asthma inhaler.
An asthma inhaler.

Dust mites and mold flourish in high humidity; therefore, keep indoor humidity below 50 percent. Asthmatics should never smoke and should avoid being around others who smoke. Secondhand smoke contributes to the onset of asthma in children as well. Even the presence of cockroaches in the home can trigger an asthma. Exterminate cockroaches from the house in order to avoid asthma attacks.

Strong perfumes may trigger asthma attacks.
Strong perfumes may trigger asthma attacks.

Homeowners who live with asthmatics should vacuum carpets on a regular basis. Wear a mask to avoid inhaling allergens during the vacuuming process. Another way to contribute to asthma prevention is to avoid the use of ceiling fans. Strong perfumes and other sprays with strong odors should be avoided by asthmatics as these substances can trigger asthma attacks.

Cockroaches are known to cause allergies in children, and may lead to the development of asthma.
Cockroaches are known to cause allergies in children, and may lead to the development of asthma.

Pregnant women who refrain from smoking can contribute to asthma prevention within their unborn children. Mothers who breastfeed their newborns for at least six months can help with asthma prevention as well. Breast milk is known to strengthen a child's immune system. Since a healthy immune system helps children combat respiratory infections, children can avoid developing into asthmatics.

Discussion Comments

sputnik

Drink lemonade. In general, eat plenty of citrus fruit that is rich in vitamin C.

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    • Secondhand smoke rising from a cigarette, which can trigger asthma attacks.
      By: Pepsona
      Secondhand smoke rising from a cigarette, which can trigger asthma attacks.
    • An asthma inhaler.
      By: alctxphoto
      An asthma inhaler.
    • Strong perfumes may trigger asthma attacks.
      By: Kayros Studio
      Strong perfumes may trigger asthma attacks.
    • Cockroaches are known to cause allergies in children, and may lead to the development of asthma.
      By: R_R
      Cockroaches are known to cause allergies in children, and may lead to the development of asthma.
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • Keeping a daily diary may help avoid asthma triggers.
      By: PicciaNeri
      Keeping a daily diary may help avoid asthma triggers.
    • Carpets should be vacuumed regularly for people suffering from asthma.
      By: Constantinos
      Carpets should be vacuumed regularly for people suffering from asthma.
    • Breastfeeding helps boost a child's immune system, reducing asthma risk.
      By: Kzenon
      Breastfeeding helps boost a child's immune system, reducing asthma risk.
    • Asthma causes the bronchi, which lead from the trachea to the lung, to become inflamed.
      By: arsdigital
      Asthma causes the bronchi, which lead from the trachea to the lung, to become inflamed.
    • A cough may be a sign that an asthma attack could occur.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A cough may be a sign that an asthma attack could occur.
    • Acupuncture is sometimes pursued as an alternative treatment for asthma.
      By: MarkFGD
      Acupuncture is sometimes pursued as an alternative treatment for asthma.
    • Stuffed animals attract dust and can contribute to asthma.
      By: Dalia Drulia
      Stuffed animals attract dust and can contribute to asthma.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
    • Asthma is a chronic lung disease that plagues people of all ages.
      By: vbaleha
      Asthma is a chronic lung disease that plagues people of all ages.