Avoiding Attacks

• 1). See your doctor. Asthma symptoms include labored breathing, wheezing, tightness and persistent cough. Only a doctor can diagnose you properly and give you the medicine and tools you need.
  
  
• 2). Get a peak-flow meter. This is a simple device you can use at home to monitor how well you're breathing. Your doctor can tell you how to use it.
  
  
• 3). Keep an asthma diary. This pocket notebook will be vital in tracking the things that cause your asthma attacks over time.
  
  
• 4). Know common triggers. Things likely to cause asthma attacks include dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, mold and pollen. Non-allergen triggers include cigarette smoke, dry and cold air, certain medicines such as aspirin, and respiratory infections.
  
  
• 5). Identify your triggers. When you have an attack, write in your asthma diary where you were, what was around you and what you were doing.
  
  
• 6). Use your long-term medication. Your doctor may prescribe daily medication to ward off attacks. These keep your airways from becoming inflamed and relax the muscles around them.
  
  
• 7). Live smart. Keep a clean, dust-free home and keep your heart and lungs strong with exercise.
  
  

During Attacks

• 1). Stop what you're doing. If you're having an attack, you must treat it before it gets worse.
  
  
• 2). Use your rescue inhaler. Directions vary, but in general, take one puff, hold for 10 seconds and exhale. Wait another minute or two and repeat.
  
  
• 3). Breathe slowly. Inhale through the nose and out the mouth. If your medication is working, this should become easier.
  
  
• 4). Resume activity only once the symptoms have gone away completely.
  
  
• 5). Call 911 if the symptoms do not improve.