Asthma is the most common childhood chronic disease and a leading cause of emergency room admissions. 80-90% children with asthma get it at age of 4-5 years. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with acute exacerbations.

For acute problems professional help is needed but acute episodes are prevented by following ways:

 1.  Education about asthma, its triggers and medication.
 2.  Most importantly, keep asthma control and allergy medication with you all the time.
 3.  Avoid things which boost asthma, keep a diary.
 4.  Avoid dust. Remove carpets, drapes, stuffed toys. Use filters for air vents. Don’t use ceiling fans.
 5.  Control cockroaches and insects. They carry loads of allergens.
 6.  Avoid pets or keep those who don’t have feathers (fish).
 7.  Stay away from molds. Molds are present in damp-water standing areas, basement and gardens.
 8.  Keep indoor humidity below 50%. Mold and dust mites increase in humidity.
 9.  Stay away from strong odors, paints, solvent vapors, strong air fresheners and perfumes etc.
 10. Stay indoors at midday and afternoon during pollination season.
 11. Cover your nose and mouth in dusty weather, smoke and on roads.
 12. Avoid infections as much as possible.
 13. Avoid known allergens, including food allergens.

A few herbal remedies may also be used to prevent asthma:

 • Take 300g honey, ½ cup each of water and crushed aloe leaf. Boil on low heat for 2 hours, and then keep at cool place. Take 1 tbsp 3 times daily.
 • Take coltsfoot, wild rosemary and plantain in equal amount and mix together. Take 1 tbsp of it in a cup, add boiling water and let stand for few minutes. Drink 1/3 cup 30min before meals (thrice daily).
 • Take 100g butter and add 5 mashed cloves of garlic to it and mix well. Use as regular butter. This is also anti-bacterial. Not safe for pregnant women.
 • Boil 2 tbsp mashed turnip in 1 cup water for 15min. Use 1/4th cup 4 times daily or 1 cup daily before bed.