The development of asthma cannot be prevented. Asthma is a condition that is at least partially genetic. Asthma is triggered by allergens, much like allergies and eczema. In fact, many people with asthma either have allergies or eczema as well or have family members who have asthma, allergies, or eczema.

Though asthma itself cannot be prevented, there are methods of asthma prevention to reduce the likelihood of asthma attacks. People with asthma may be able to prevent asthma symptoms or reduce the frequency of the symptoms by avoiding allergens that trigger the asthma symptoms. Common triggers for asthma symptoms are dust mites, allergens from cockroaches, pollen, smoke, chemical irritants, and pet dander. Some people are triggered by exposure to cold air as in during winter or cold weather. People with asthma may be triggered by some medications. Emotional stress is also known as a trigger for asthma symptoms.

The physician may give people with asthma suggestions on preventing symptoms that specifically address the individual’s symptoms and their type of asthma. People with exercise-induced asthma should warm up before exercise and gradually cool down after exercise. Some people with exercise-induced asthma may want to avoid sports that include a lot of running and prolonged activity. Some sports and physical activity are less likely to cause asthma symptoms. People with asthma can adapt sport participation or use inhalers before participation to reduce the stress on their asthma without having to give up the sport.

Asthma prevention can involve taking medication at the onset of symptoms to prevent asthma attacks. People may use some medication to help prevent the development of symptoms. Daily medications may be used to reduce any airway inflammation and constriction. These daily medications often prevent symptoms and asthma attacks, though most people will still maintain an asthma rescue inhaler to use whenever asthma symptoms develop. The doctor will work with the patient to devise an asthma treatment plan to prevent asthma attacks.

Some parents attempt to avoid asthma in children by keeping the child’s environment impeccably clean. Sometimes, this approach to prevention can backfire. People who use antibacterial products and keep the environment free from any dirt may be hindering their children’s immune system’s ability to learn to react normally to substances. Therefore, the child could end up having more problems with the body identifying substances as allergens. Overuse of antibacterial products and obsessively guarding a child’s exposure to environmental substances is not recommended unless there is a medical reason and this activity is suggested by a physician.