In June 2015 researchers from Turkey published their review of factors that can increase the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma together with their treatment. One of the triggering factors for exacerbations of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma is indoor and outdoor air pollution. Avoidance of such triggering factors as well as smoking will help prevent the increase in the severity of the medical condition. Patient education and cooperation is an element of the preventive measures for asthma attacks as well as treatment for the cause of the increase in severity (eg infection, air pollution, etc).
Yıldırım N et al. Acute exacerbation in COPD and asthma. Tuberk Toraks. 2015 Jun;63(2):111-31