Which lifestyle change can assist in managing asthma symptoms?

Avoiding tobacco smoke is a vital lifestyle change for managing asthma symptoms because tobacco smoke is a known irritant that can provoke and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Exposure to tobacco smoke, whether firsthand or secondhand, can lead to inflammation of the airways, increased mucus production, and ultimately, difficulty breathing. Eliminating exposure to tobacco smoke can significantly reduce inflammation and improve overall lung function, helping individuals with asthma to manage their condition more effectively.

While other lifestyle changes can also positively affect asthma management—such as engaging in appropriate physical exercise or using air conditioning to reduce allergens—avoiding tobacco smoke directly addresses a key trigger of asthma symptoms. Eating spicy foods, on the other hand, does not have a beneficial effect on asthma management and may even provoke symptoms in some individuals, particularly if they have food sensitivities or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Therefore, avoiding tobacco smoke stands out as particularly crucial in the context of asthma management.