Certain characteristics of Western diets, such as increased use of processed foods and decreased antioxidant (in the form of fruits and vegetables), increased n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (found in margarine and vegetable oil), and decreased n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (found in oily fish) intakes have contributed to the recent increases in asthma and atopic diseases.

Healthy tips for infants whose parents have history of asthma

• Breast-feeding exclusively for the first four to six months, or using a hypoallergenic formula, may delay or prevent atopic dermatitis and milk allergy
• Solid foods should be introduced gradually
• Restricting a mother’s diet during pregnancy or while breast-feeding has not been shown to help prevent the development of allergies
• Reducing exposure to some allergens, such as dust mites, may delay or prevent allergy or asthma symptoms
• Exposure to tobacco smoke before and after birth increases your infant’s risk of developing wheezing and asthma

Environmental factors play an important role in precipitating asthmatic attacks

Below are some ways to change the environment in order to lessen the chance of an asthmatic attack

• Clean the house at least once a week and wear a mask while doing it
• Avoid pets with fur or feathers
• Wash the bedding (sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads) weekly in hot water
• Consider replacing upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl
• Consider replacing carpeting with hardwood floors or tile
• Use the air conditioner
• Keep the humidity in the house low

Other steps to prevent asthmatic attacks are to monitor lung function, regular medication which has been prescribed by your doctor, periodic assessments by your physician and annual influenza vaccine if you have persistent attacks of asthma.

Wellness workshop on Allergies and Asthma" at Ahlcon International School, Mayur Vihar, Phase I, New Delhi on July 30 between 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. For free registration, call at 011- 23782031

Source: Super Religare laboratories Ltd

Pic: Alicia Solario