Asthma
Lifestyle modifications
NUTRITION
A diet high in fruits and vegetables is recommended (1)
A diet high in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of asthma (4, 5)
Avoid certain foods if they trigger asthma exacerbations (1)
Vitamin D: Deficiency is associated with increased risk of asthma development (2)
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular physical activity is recommended for asthma patients. It improves lung function and asthma control (1).
Exercise induced bronchoconstriction affects most people with asthma. However, aerobic exercise may reduce sensitivity to asthma triggers (3)
Gradually increase physical activity level to avoid exercise induced bronchoconstriction. Exercise induced bronchoconstriction happens more often in people with poor asthma control (3)
Exercising in extreme temperature and humidity conditions may increase exercise induced bronchoconstriction (3)
SMOKING
Smoking is a risk factor for asthma (2)
Smoking cessation is strongly recommended (1)
STRESS
Depression, anxiety and stress may increase rates of asthma attacks (3)
If stress worsens asthma control, clinicians are recommended to help the patient deal with stress (1)
WEIGHT
Obesity is associated with increased risk for asthma (2)
Obese people with asthma use more asthma medication, even with similar lung function (1)
Weight reduction in obese people with asthma improves outcomes (1)
References
1) https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/44/management-approach
2) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/risk-factors-for-asthma
3) https://www.uptodate.com/contents/trigger-control-to-enhance-asthma-management
Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION
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Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD
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Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE
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Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in plain font
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Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE
Figure: Evidence pyramid