Take charge of your asthma
before it takes charge of you

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled.

Know your triggers and try to avoid them

• Avoid using perfumes.
• Don’t smoke, and stay away from those who do. Try to minimize exposure to air pollution.
• Wear a scarf around your mouth and nose when you are outside in cold weather. Doing so will warm the air you breathe in and prevent cold air from reaching sensitive airways.
• Take your medication before exercising. Stop exercising if you start to wheeze.
• Don’t eat foods or take medicines that have sulfites. They bother many people with asthma. Sulfites are in wine and may be used on salads in some restaurants to prevent wilting. Sulfites are also found in some processed foods and beverages, including shrimp, mushrooms, potato chips, and dried fruits. Sensitive people need to practice reading labels to confirm content.
• If you are allergic to aspirin, use acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) instead.

Make your home allergen-free

• Sleep without a pillow or use the kind your health care provider recommends.
• Use a plastic or “allergen-free” cover on your mattress and pillow (if you use one).
• Wash mattress pads in hot water every week.
• Use throw rugs instead of carpeting.
• Don’t use drapes.
• If you can, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum and dust often. Wear a dust filter mask when you do.
• Put an electronic air filter in your central heating or air conditioning or use portable air cleaners to keep the air clean.
• Change and/or wash furnace and air conditioner filters regularly. If you use a portable humidifier or vaporizer, use distilled water, not tap water. Clean and dry the appliance after each use.

Manage your disease

• Drink plenty of liquids (two to three quarts a day) to keep secretions loose.
• Recognize your symptoms.
• If your doctor has prescribed a preventive daily medication, take it even when you’re feeling well.
• Learn how to use peak flow meters if your health care provider feels it is appropriate.
• Keep your asthma medicine handy. Take it as soon as you start to feel an attack.
• Sit up during an asthma attack. Don’t lie down.
• Develop an action plan with your doctor.
• Seek medical care immediately if your symptoms get worse or don’t respond to medications.