9)    The bathroom is a trap – Damp areas in the bathroom can harbor mold, which can cause breathing problems. It is important to clean the bathtub, shower and sinks frequently to maintain a mold-free environment.

10)  Cover your nose and mouth – If it’s cold out, wear a scarf or other protection that will keep the cold air out of your nose, mouth and lungs. This can go a long way toward preventing an attack.

When an Attack Occurs

Some asthma attacks can quickly escalate into emergencies. If an inhaler isn’t providing substantial relief in short order or shortness of breath develops during minimal physical activity, it is a sign that the issue is serious and needs immediate attention.

Asthma can change over time, and a mild case can turn worse. It is advisable to see a doctor rather than taking more medication without consultation. Lung function tests will be administered to check air flow and lung capacity.

If asthma is diagnosed, the type of treatment will depend on the symptoms, age of the patient, triggers and what works best. Most patients will receive a quick-relief inhaler (known as a bronchodilator) that can open swollen air passages quickly when an attack unexpectedly strikes.

Patients also supplement inhalers with long-term daily medications. These can include inhaled corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory drugs) that have fewer side effects than oral steroids and an oral medication called Leukotriene modifier (sold commercially as Singulair, Accolate and Zyflo), which can moderate asthma symptoms for up to 24 hours. However, these medications can induce such symptoms as agitation, hallucinations, aggression, depression and suicidal thinking, so their use must be strictly supervised.