Young woman having asthma attack. She is holding asthma inhaler.

Tips for the prevention of asthma syndromes

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 20, 2023

Let’s talk about asthmatic syndromes: in the case of bronchial asthma, alongside pharmacological therapies, the patient should follow some dietary and behavioral rules that reduce the risk of an asthmatic attack

Asthmatic syndromes, drugs

A preventive measure of particular importance in respiratory allergy, especially in bronchial asthma, is to avoid the administration of drugs or chemical substances that can trigger or worsen an asthmatic syndrome.

Drugs that can trigger an asthmatic crisis (“asthma producing drugs”) are:

acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Oki, Brufen…);
β-blockers;
cholinergic agonists;
agents that may cause non-IgE-mediated mast cell activation (contrast media, anesthetics, muscle relaxants);
ACE inhibitors, which can produce accumulation of bradykinin, cough and other undesirable reactions mimicking bronchial asthma.

In all asthmatics, the use of morphine and morphine-like drugs, as well as that of psychotropic drugs with a tranquilizing action, should be discouraged; recently, in fact, it has been demonstrated that asthmatic patients who use major tranquilizers have a two to three times higher risk of death from asthma or severe asthma attacks.

Sulfites

Among the chemical substances that can give rise to asthmatic syndromes, sulphites should be mentioned in particular, which should be avoided by individuals with bronchial asthma.

Foods containing a high amount of sulfites (in order from the one that contains the most to the one that contains the least), are:

wines (especially whites), up to 225 mg/l;
beer;
potatoes;
dried and candied fruit;
dried mushrooms;
prawns and crustaceans in general;
beccala.

Asthmatic syndromes and gastroesophageal reflux

In the case of bronchial asthma associated with gastroesophageal reflux, some simple hygienic-dietary rules should be dictated for preventive purposes (anti-reflux diet, with the abolition of coffee and alcohol; avoid going to bed immediately after meals; raising the head of the bed) and some pharmacological therapies (anti-reflux drugs such as alginic acid; prokinetic drugs such as cisapride, domperidone, metoclopramide; Hj-blocker antihistamines).

General prevention rules to be applied in all forms of bronchial asthma:

Carry out an accurate hygienic-environmental remediation (see next paragraph “Hygienic-environmental remediation in respiratory allergy from environmental allergens”).
Absolutely avoid smoking cigarettes, even indirectly (for example, from family members or work colleagues, etc.).
Avoid closed environments and public places where there are high concentrations of irritants to the respiratory tract (cigarette smoke or other fumes, detergents, perfumes and cosmetics, paints, solvents, detergents and other environmental cleaning products, ).
If possible, have air conditioners or air purifiers (with high efficiency filters, which are able to retain all atmospheric particles with a diameter greater than 0.3 u) or anion generators installed in domestic or work environments . Alternatively, dehumidifiers can be used in humid environments or in seasonal periods with high humidity. All these appliances must be periodically overhauled and cleaned, especially the filters, since they themselves can become a repository for dust or mould.
Avoid, as far as possible, exposure to cold, fog, sudden climatic changes, as well as some physical exercises (in particular, free running).
Prefer, if possible, stays in seaside resorts (especially “sea of rocks”) where the air is pure, as well as rich in iodine.
Avoid, as far as possible, excessive sweating during the hot season; if this happens, drink large quantities of water, in order to avoid dehydration.
In principle, avoid the administration of analgesics and antirheumatics containing acetylsalicylic acid or non-steroidal antiphlogistics, which can produce severe asthma attacks in about 20 of asthmatics.
Avoid the intake of foods containing sulphites, which can also cause asthma attacks.

Asthmatic syndromes, hygienic-environmental remediation in respiratory allergy diseases caused by environmental allergens

Below is a summary list of general tips useful for accurate hygienic-environmental remediation, valid for patients suffering from all respiratory allergies from environmental allergens and, more generally, from bronchial asthma:

Frequent ventilation of the rooms or use of air conditioning systems, in order to reduce the humidity below 50%.
Accurate removal of dust from floors and furniture, with an electric vacuum cleaner or with a damp cloth, so as not to raise dust.
Elimination of carpets and rugs, sofas and upholstered chairs.
Removal of heavy curtains and their replacement with washable curtains or with Venetian blinds in synthetic material.
Eliminate other dust receptacles (book shelves, stuffed toys, etc.).
Replacement of wool or feather mattresses and pillows with others, for example in synthetic rubber derivatives, to be renewed frequently, even every year or every 2-3 years. Even more reliable are orthopedic mattresses in dense polyurethane (density equal to 30-40 kg/m³), which represents an unfavorable habitat for the reproduction and development of mites.
Covering of mattresses and pillows with special “anti-mite” pillowcases, made with thickly woven cotton fabrics and covered on the inside with a thin synthetic film, to be closed hermetically with zips. A cheaper measure consists of a simple Goretex covering, sealed with tape, around the mattress and pillow.
Frequent exposure of mattresses, pillows, pillowcases and bed linen to the air and sun and carefully beating them with a carpet beater, as was customary in the past.
Frequent cleaning (even several times a week) of the external surface of the mattresses, pillows and pillowcases with a vacuum cleaner (this cleaning must be particularly thorough in correspondence with the stitching of the pillowcases, where the concentration of mites is greatest).
Frequent washing, even twice a week, at a high temperature, of pillowcases, sheets and other bedding.