How to Prevent the Spread of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways, making it hard to breathe. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, asthma affects 20 million Americans. The number of asthma diagnoses continues to rise, and researchers are finding many risk factors that cause the rapid spread of asthma. While asthma is not a communicable disease, there are several causes that, when avoided, may reduce the risk of developing asthma.

Instructions

• 1

  Avoid cigarettes. Smoking during pregnancy greatly increases the likelihood a baby will develop asthma. Babies exposed to cigarette and other smoke also have a higher risk of developing asthma.

• 2

  Have a full-term baby. Babies born before 37 weeks gestation have a higher risk of developing asthma.

• 3

  Avoid folic acid late in pregnancy. According to a study at the Research Centre for the Early Origins of Health and Disease at the University of Adelaide in Australia, mothers who take folic acid supplements between weeks 30 and 34 gestation have babies that are 30 percent more likely to develop asthma.

• 4

  Stay well. Infants and young children who experience frequent respiratory infections have a higher incidence of asthma.

• 5

  Avoid airborne pollutants. Exposing babies to chemicals and pollution is another risk for asthma development. Living in urban areas and in places where airborne chemicals are common puts the child at risk for asthma.