Answer to Question 1
There are a number of primary prevention strategies for allergy and allergic asthma (one form of asthma). These include avoiding tobacco smoke, especially during pregnancy and early childhood and eliminating it from the work place; reducing indoor air pollution; minimizing exposure of at-risk young children to inhalant allergies like dust mites, cockroaches, and furry animals; preventing or eliminating exposure to highly irritating or sensitizing agents in occupational settings; minimizing exposure to damp housing conditions; and breastfeeding infants exclusively until the age of 4 to 6 months (breast milk may contain some protective factors).
Answer to Question 2
Atopic disorders like asthma are characterized by a biological hypersensitivity and inflammation. These mucosal inflammatory disorders are believed to be due to a dysregulation of the immune system whereby it over-responds to certain exogenous antigens. The atopic category includes asthma, allergic rhinitis (i.e., hay fever), atopic dermatitis (e.g., some forms of eczema), and conjunctivitis (e.g., allergy form of pink eye).