What can you do to control asthma’s risk factors?

Indoors:
Pay special attention to places within your home that typically experience mold growth and hide insects.
Keep pets out of the bedroom, where the majority of time is spent in the home.

Reduce indoor humidity to 50 percent or below in order to limit mold growth.
Remove old or dirty carpeting that collects dust, animal hair, and dirt.
Eliminate water leaks conducive to mold growth.
Wash bed sheets and pillows weekly in hot water.
Do not use chemicals on a regular basis to kill dust-mites.
Air conditioning is beneficial to those with asthma, because it filters airborne irritants and reduces indoor humidity.
Encase matress and pillows in an allergen-impermiable cover.
Purchase an air purifier to reduce airborne irritants.

Outdoors:
Avoid air pollutants by staying indoors during bad ozone and smog days during the summer.
Avoid exercising outdoors in bad air quality conditions.
During allergy seasons (Fall and Spring) those with bad asthma should stay indoors while their symptoms are pronounced.

Other Recommendations for those with asthma:
Receiving an annual influenza vaccination reduces asthma caused by viral respiratory infection.

Avoid sulfite containing foods and beverages.
Recognize your seasonal and perrenial allergy history, because knowing exactly what sets off your asthma, and when, can help you understand your asthma and limit its impact on your day to day activities.

Common mistakes in the treatment of asthma
Failing to bring asthma symptoms to the attention of a medical professional.
Failing to continue a physicians recommended treatment for the prevention of asthma during seasons of reduced asthma risk (winter and summer).
Over-reliance on emergency medications (albuterol) for everyday use. Ask your physician about methods of asthma prevention.

On the Bright Side of Asthma
The sensitivity adults have to asthma’s inhalant risk factors typically declines as age increases.
Sensitization to pollens carries less risk for asthma than other airborne irritants.