Medical Guides

Strong Odors and Sprays

•    Do not stay in the house when it is being painted.
•    Avoid perfume and cosmetics such as talcum powder and hair spray.
•    Use ‘roll on’ rather than ‘spray on’ deodorants.
•    Use non-perfumed household cleaning products whenever possible.
•    Reduce strong cooking odors (especially frying) by proper ventilation.
Colds and Infections

Viral infections, such as colds or flu, can make or precipitate asthma attack.

•    Avoid people with colds or the flu.
•    Do not take anti cold remedies and cough syrup without consulting the doctor.

Exercise

Exercise commonly causes symptoms in people with asthma. However asthmatics should not avoid exercise. In fact, exercise is beneficial to people with asthma. Over 67 athletes in the 1984 Olympics had asthma. Many won medals.

•    Use a beta 2-agonist inhaler 15 minutes before exercising.
•    Warm up before doing exercise and cool down afterwards.
•    Swimming is less likely to cause symptoms as compared to other exercises.

Weather

Cold weather can precipitate asthma.
•    Wear a scarf over the mouth and nose in cold weather.
•    Dress warmly in the winter or on windy days.

Avoidance of Asthma Inducing Food Triggers

Avoidance is the safest and most effective way to control asthma symptoms triggered by food.
•    Check labels on cans to see if the foods are free from the substances you are allergic to.
•    Persons sensitive to food additives when eating out should ask whether additives have been used in the preparation of dishes.
•    Read the labels of the medications to find out the additives and colouring agents. Metabisulphite releases sulphur dioxide, which provokes bronchoconstriction

Recommended diet for people with asthma

People with asthma do not need a special diet unless ^ there they have a proven allergy or food intolerance. They should try to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight stresses the heart and lungs.

•    Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.
•    Eat plenty of breads, cereals, vegetables and fruits.
•    Eat a diet low in fat and sugar.
•    Balance the amount of exercise with the food consumed.
•    Limit the amount of alcoholic intake.