Preventing Asthma

Asthma Prevention

Acute attacks can be triggered by many things, including irritants (smoke or strong odors), allergens (dust mites, molds, etc.), exercise (especially in kids with exercise induced symptoms), upper respiratory infections, and changes in the weather. The best treatments are to avoid the things that trigger your child's attacks (keep a diary), follow the environmental controls described below, use any preventative treatments that have been prescribed for your child everyday, and get a flu shot each year.

Uncontrolled medical problems, including allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux can also make asthma worse, and should be treated if also present.
You may also be able to prevent asthma attacks if you can predict when your child is going to have an asthma attack and begin his medications early. You can learn to predict attacks by watching for warning signs, including a drop in peak flows, worsening allergies, runny nose, cough, exposure to a known trigger, etc.

Environmental Controls

These steps are aimed at controlling the most common allergens that can trigger an acute attack.
• Get rid of dust collectors, including heavy drapes, carpeting, & stuffed animals.
• Control cockroaches with insect sprays and roach traps, as cockroach allergens are a very common asthma and allergy trigger.
• Use an airtight, allergy-proof plastic cover on all mattresses and pillows.
• Wash all bedding and stuffed animals in hot water every 7-14 days.
• If you must keep pets in the house, at least keep them out of your child's bedroom and choose pets without fur or feathers (such as fish).
• Avoid exposing your child to molds by keeping them away from damp basements, water-damaged areas of the house, wet leaves or garden debris.
• Keep indoor humidity low (less than 50%), since dust mites and mold increase in high humidity.
• Provide a smoke-free environment for your child (it is not enough to smoke outside).
• Vacuum frequently, but only when your child is not at home.
• Avoid the use of ceiling fans.
• Cover air vents with filters.
• Avoid allowing strong odors and sprays in the home. Do not allow your child to stay at home if it is being painted, avoid using strong perfumes, or room deodorizers and household cleaning products that have a strong odor.
• For seasonal problems, keep windows closed in the car and home to avoid exposure to pollens and use air conditioning instead. Stay indoors during the midday and afternoon when pollen counts are at their highest.
• Avoid being outside on days when pollution or ozone counts are high.
• Consider using a HEPA filter to control airborne allergens.
• Take any allergy medication that have been prescribed on a daily basis, since uncontrolled allergies can make your symptoms worse.