Lifestyle modification

NUTRITION

  • A diet high in fruits and vegetables is recommended (1) and 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

4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24947126/

5) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/4/341

Resources

EXPLANATION TO EVIDENCE PRESENTATION

Figure: Evidence pyramid

​Evidence based on guidelines and evidence based Clinical Decision Systems is written in BOLD font

​Evidence based on meta analysis or systematic reviews is written in BOLD and CURSIVE font

​Evidence based on randomized controlled trials is written in PLAIN font

​Evidence based on observational / cohort studies is written in CURSIVE font