Asthma

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)