Health Tip: Prevent an Asthma Attack

(HealthDay News) -- Asthma is a disease of the lungs that can cause wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing. Asthma medications include pills and inhalers, and can be long-term or fast-acting.

Taking your asthma medication regularly as prescribed is one of the most effective ways to avoid an asthma attack. If an allergy tends to trigger your asthma, try to avoid things that make you sneeze or wheeze.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here are some common triggers of asthma:

• Secondhand smoke.
• Dust mites.
• Air pollution.
• Cockroach droppings.
• Pets.
• Mold.
• Strenuous exercise.
• Extreme cold, extreme heat, or humid weather.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: May 12, 2006