Asthma Prevention

May is Asthma Awareness Month—a time to educate friends, family, and patients about asthma and promote awareness about how this serious, sometimes life-threatening, chronic respiratory disease can be controlled. In addition, May 7th is World Asthma Day.

During Asthma Awareness Month, EPA provides ready-to-use tools and resources for use promoting asthma awareness in your community.

Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways, causing recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. While it affects millions globally, the burden of asthma varies significantly between countries due to differences in healthcare access, environmental factors, and educational opportunities.

Understanding the Impact of Poor Air Quality

Air quality has a profound impact on public health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. Advocating for better air quality involves raising awareness, influencing public policy, and engaging in community actions to reduce pollution and protect health. Poor air quality is a major environmental risk factor for various health conditions.

Pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and ground-level ozone can exacerbate asthma symptoms and other respiratory illnesses. These pollutants come from a variety of sources, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and even natural sources like wildfires.

The health impacts of poor air quality are not limited to the respiratory system; they can also include heart diseases, strokes, and in some cases, premature death. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Preventing Asthma Triggers

Here are some ways one can prevent and control asthma:

• Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses. 

• Wash bedding and dry completely once a week.

• Reduce household dust by dusting often with a damp cloth and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

• Eliminate smoking inside of your home or car

• Clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture. Clean and dry any wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold.

• Consider scheduling outdoor activities at times when air quality is better. 

Resources

American Lung Association

Resources About Asthma

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America



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