The problem is a result of inflammation inside the breathing tubes in the lungs. The inflammation is caused both by substances to which a person is allergic and by non-specific irritants. The inflammation triggers accumulation of mucus inside the lungs and narrowing of the tiny air tubes in the lungs. Although asthma can be treated, it is best to prevent episodes of asthma in the first place. This can be done by avoiding some irritants, reducing the effect of other irritants, building up resistance to asthma and avoiding artificially lowering resistance to asthma.
Smoke is one of the most well known and common irritants contributing to asthma.
Children are much more likely to develop asthma if there is a smoker in the household, so it is crucial that members of the household of a person with asthma do not smoke. Avoiding cigarette and pipe smoke in public places such as in restaurants is also very important. Other sources of smoke in the house are also a problem. Matches are a particular problem since they contain sulfur compounds that burn to form sulfur dioxide, a pollutant that severely aggravates asthma. If you need to light a candle or another flame, a butane lighter is a better solution.