In committed families with evidence of house dust mite allergy and who wish to try mite avoidance, the following are recommended:
In committed families with evidence of house dust mite allergy and who wish to try mite avoidance, the following are recommended:
Parents who smoke should be advised about the dangers for themselves and their children and offered appropriate support to stop smoking.
Smoking cessation should be encouraged as it is good for general health and may decrease asthma severity.
The use of ionisers cannot be encouraged, as there is no evidence of benefit and a suggestion of adverse effect.
In difficult childhood asthma, there may be a role for family therapy as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy.
Weight reduction is recommended in obese patients with asthma, to improve asthma control.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux should be treated if present but this will generally have no impact on asthma control.