Bronchial asthma

Alternative names:

asthma; intrinsic asthma; exercise induced asthma; allergic asthma, status asthmaticus

Prevention:

Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding exposure to known allergens and respiratory irritants. If an asthmatic is sensitive to dust mites, exposure can be reduced by encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, removing carpets from bedrooms, and by vacuuming regularly. Exposure to dust mites and mold can be reduced by lowering indoor humidity. If a person is allergic to an animal that cannot be removed from the home, the animal should be kept out of the patient's bedroom. Filtering material can be placed over the heating outlets to trap animal dander. Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial dusts, and irritating fumes should also be avoided.

Allergy desensitization is rarely successful in reducing symptoms.

Updated Date: 06/22/00

Updated by: Thomas O. Staiger, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine Division of General Internal Medicine University of Washington School of Medicine