ASTHMA

Prevention

The best way to prevent asthma attacks is to identify and avoid indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants. That's easier said than done, however, because thousands of outdoor allergens and irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can trigger an attack. A number of indoor allergens, including dust mites, cockroaches, some pets and mold, can do the same. The most common irritant overall is tobacco smoke.

Even if you reduce indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants, managing asthma can be challenging. It often takes ongoing communication and teamwork with your doctor. But by working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition. In addition to knowing and avoiding your triggers, adopt the following behaviors:

• Develop an action plan. With your doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking maintenance medications and managing an acute attack. Then be sure to follow your plan. Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs to be regularly monitored and treated. In addition, taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general.

• Monitor your breathing. Like many people, you may recognize your own signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any symptoms, regularly measure your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.

• Treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms. When your peak flow measurements alert you to an impending attack, take your medication as instructed and stop any activity that may have triggered the attack right away. If your symptoms don't improve, be sure to get medical help as directed in your action plan.