Asthma affects 12-15 million Americans each year including many children under the age of 18. Asthma is more common in younger years, but can occur at any age. It is more common among individuals with a family history, allergies, or who are exposed to tobacco smoke.

Many people may not take asthma seriously enough to take the medications prescribed to them. However, the best way to prevent an asthma attack is to take all medications prescribed by your doctor for prevention and for controlling asthma symptoms once they start. Also knowing your risks or triggers and controlling them is another important component in preventing an asthma attack.

While you cannot control risk factors such as family history and age, you can make some changes to control other risk factors:

• Limit exposure to triggers such as: weather changes, exercise, smoke, allergens, irritants, or infections
• Control your weight (less weight equals less shortness of breath and allows your lungs to work easier)
• Stop smoking
• Reduce stress in your life
• Eat a healthy diet
• Salmon and other oily fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which may reduce asthma symptoms. Consider adding more fish as part of a balanced healthy diet.
• Take medications as directed