How can I prevent asthma attacks?

Learning to control your asthma is important and could save your life. Most people with asthma can live a normal, active life if they follow these steps:

Take your medicine. A doctor can give you medicine to use if you have an asthma attack. You may also get medicine to prevent attacks. Taking this medicine will lower your chance of having an asthma attack. Take this prevention medicine every day, even when you feel good. It is the best way to prevent problems.

Manage your triggers. When do you get symptoms? What makes your asthma worse? The answers help you know your triggers, the things that can bring on your asthma attacks. A big part of controlling your asthma is managing your triggers. Here are ideas for how to do this:

• Colds and flu. Do colds or flu cause your asthma attacks? If so, get a flu shot every year at a clinic. Wash your hands often. And if you do get sick, watch your symptoms carefully. It's best to treat an asthma attack early on, when symptoms are mild.
• Allergies. Many people with asthma are allergic to pets, pollen, dust, or other things. If you are allergic to something, try to avoid it. If your allergies are very bad, see your doctor.
• Exercise. Even if exercise makes your asthma worse, don't give up exercising! Exercise is good for every part of your body -- including your lungs. Instead, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can give you medicine so that your asthma won't get in the way of exercise.

See your doctor regularly. Asthma is a lifelong condition. So even if you feel fine, see your doctor at least once a year. If you are having asthma attacks more than twice a week, call for an appointment today.

Use an Asthma Action Plan. Ask your doctor to fill out an Asthma Action Plan for you. This is a simple, one-page plan for controlling your asthma. It tells you how to take your medicine, what symptoms to watch for, and when to call the doctor.