Can Asthma Be Prevented?
We don't yet know how to prevent asthma, but there are some things that can
lower your chances of having an asthma attack. The best way to prevent asthma
attacks is to identify and avoid indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants.
That's easier said than done because thousands of outdoor allergens and
irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can
trigger your attacks. A number of indoor allergens, including dust mites,
cockroaches, pet dander and mold, can do the same. A common asthma irritant is
tobacco smoke.
Even if you reduce indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants, managing
asthma can be challenging. It often takes ongoing communication and teamwork
with your doctor. But by working together, you and your doctor can design a
step-by-step plan for living with your condition. In addition to knowing and
avoiding your triggers, develop an action plan, monitor your breathing and treat
attacks early.
- Develop an action plan. With your
doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking maintenance
medications and managing an acute attack. Then be sure to follow your plan.
Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment.
Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your
life in general.
- Monitor your breathing. You may learn
to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing,
wheezing or shortness of breath. But because your lung function may decrease
before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure your peak airflow
with a home peak flow meter.
- Treat attacks early. If you act
quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as
much medication to control your symptoms. When your peak flow measurements
decrease and alert you to an impending attack, take your medication as
instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the
attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your
action plan.
Scientists do not yet know how to prevent the inflammation of the airways
that leads to asthma. Scientists are exploring some theories:
- Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman
is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely
to get asthma.
- Obesity may be linked to asthma, as well as other health problems.
Preventative
Medications—For preventing symptoms in the first place:
Taken regularly, preventative medications work by
reducing constriction (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) and/or the
inflammation (underlying swelling and irritation in the airways of your lungs).
Many people need to treat both the inflammation and constriction for the best
asthma control. Ask your healthcare professional for more information.
Inhaled corticosteroids (also called anti-inflammatory or
preventative medications) are used to treat asthma because they help reduce the
inflammation and mucus in the airways.
Reducing inflammation helps to:
- Improve lung function
- Prevent asthma symptoms
- Reduce the need for albuterol
Inhaled corticosteroids go directly to the airways of the lungs to help
reduce the swelling and irritation (inflammation). There is growing evidence
that inhaled corticosteroids may also help prevent lung damage that may occur
when asthma is left untreated.
Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil are mild to moderate
anti-inflammatory medications. These inhaled controller medications are
occasionally used in children.
Long-acting bronchodilators are often used to complement
anti-inflammatory medications in the treatment of asthma. Long-acting
bronchodilators help keep the airways open by relaxing the airway muscles. They
help to:
- Improve lung function
- Prevent asthma symptoms
- Reduce the need for albuterol
Leukotriene modifiers are oral medications that work on leukotrienes,
which have a role in causing airway constriction and swelling. Leukotriene
modifiers help to:
- Improve airflow
- Reduce asthma symptoms
Quick-relief (or rescue) Medications—For
sudden symptoms or attacks:
A short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol helps relieve sudden asthma
symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
You should use your albuterol inhaler at the FIRST sign of symptoms. Albuterol
works quickly to open the airways by relaxing the airway muscles. However, it
does not provide long-term control of your asthma. Always carry your albuterol
inhaler with you. If you need to use your albuterol inhaler more than twice a
week, this may be a sign that your asthma is not being adequately controlled—be
sure to talk to your healthcare professional.
Oral steroids are generally used only to help treat severe asthma
attacks.
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