The most effective treatment for asthma is identifying triggers, such as pets or aspirin, and limiting or eliminating exposure to them. Desensitization to allergens has been shown to be a treatment option for certain patients. As is common with respiratory disease, smoking is believed to adversely affect asthmatics in several ways, including an increased severity of symptoms, a more rapid decline of lung function, and decreased response to preventive medications. Automobile emissions are considered an even more significant cause and aggravating factor. Asthmatics who smoke or who live near traffic typically require additional medications to help control their disease. Furthermore, exposure of both non-smokers and smokers to wood smoke, gas stove fumes and second-hand smoke is detrimental, resulting in more severe asthma, more emergency room visits, and more asthma-related hospital admissions. Smoking cessation and avoidance of second-hand smoke is strongly encouraged in asthmatics.
Asthma secondary prevention
Asthma primary prevention
Chronic bronchitis secondary prevention
Chronic bronchitis primary prevention
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease secondary prevention
Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency secondary prevention
Occupational asthma primary prevention
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis primary prevention