Prevention of Asthma
How to prevent asthma?
Development of asthma has two distinct bases: Hereditary and Environmental. For the prevention of the development of asthma we should manipulate these two factors. Regarding hereditary factors, we have yet nothing to do practically. Genetic engineering is a future probability. What we can do is to manipulate the environmental factors. Effort should be concentrated on primary prevention of asthma.
What is primary prevention?
"What we mean by primary prevention is intervening even before we can see any form of sensitization in the individual we are investigating". The four key areas in primary prevention are: -
-Timing of hyperresponsiveness- The level to which allergen concentrations must be reduced to prevent the development of hyperresponsiveness
- The necessary duration of allergen avoidance
- Adjunct factors involved in triggering the disease
for these, following two things are to be done:
- Identification of the asthma prone persons
- Well defined prevention program for the asthma prone persons
How to identify asthma prone persons?
Period before and immediately after birth is very important for the future development of allergic diseases, such as asthma. Identification of the high-risk newborns can be done by a family allergy scoring system (FAS). FAS is based on the number of immediate (first degree) family members (mother, father, brothers and sisters only) who suffer or who have suffered from one or other allergic condition.
Scoring system:
Two points are scored for each immediate family member who has definite, medically confirmed allergic disease. (Positive history along with clinical evidence).
One point is scored for each family member who has possible or suspected allergic disease but which has not been medically confirmed. (Positive history without clinical evidence).
One point is scored for persons exposed to occupational hazards (occupational asthma).
No point is scored for the members with no allergic disease.
Interpretation of the score:
0 - 1 : No prevention is necessary.
2 - 3 : Serum IgE estimation, raised value indicates preventive program.
4 or more : Strongly advocate preventive program.
Program for primary prevention
Program for primary prevention of asthma vary from person to person. It is difficult to chalk out an universal program. However on the basis of recent knowledge asthma prone persons, that is, persons who have more e chance of developing asthma, may be given the following advice in the form of DOs and DON’Ts :
| DOs | DON’Ts |
| • Babies should be exclusively breast-fed until the age of six month. | • Lactating mother should not eat or drink any allergy producing food or beverage. |
| • Weaning should be delayed, if possible until six month of age, particularly allergy producing solids. | • Prevent high risk babies being exposed to high allergic foods and inhaled substances during first year of life. |
| • Encourage low salt diet . | • Avoid carpeting, stuffed furnishing, household pets, stuffed toys (teddy bears) and furry dresses. |
| • Encourage more fish and less meat in diet. | • Try to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics for viral R.T.I. |
| • Encourage outdoor sports in summer and indoor sports in winter. Swimming is best exercise for asthmatics. | • Try to avoid outdoor air pollution - pollen, dusts, smoke etc. |
| • Try to establish proper ventilation at home. | • Quit active smoking and avoid indoor passive smoking. |
| • Try to change the job if occupational asthma is suspected. | • Try to avoid spending 3 hours or more at a stretch in a day in front of the television or computer. |
Similar of Prevention of Asthma
Etiology of Asthma
What Causes Asthma Episodes?
The exact etiology or causes of asthma is still unknown. The airways of the asthmatics are found to be inflamed, red and
Misconception about Asthma
There are some common concerns about Asthma prevailing in the society. In majority of cases, these are misconceptions or baseless fears. For optimum control ofConcomitant Disease management of Asthma
Allergic Rhinitis: Definition: Rhinitis is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the nose. Clinical diagnosis is made on the basis of recognizing aPitfalls of Asthma Management
Pitfalls of Management Pitfalls Remedies Incorrect diagnosis Proper history taking, thorough (COPD, LVF, other differential diagnosis) relevantDefinition of Asthma
Why do we define asthma?
We define asthma to identify the disease correctly and to differentiate it from other diseases. To fulfill this goal, definition of
Asthma Trigger Control Plan
Airways of an asthmatic are very sensitive. They may react to some stimuli that can cause asthma episodes. These stimuli are called as “triggers” . The airways
Comments
Post new comment