Ellen Campbell -Grizzle - PHARMACY TODAY

Persons with asthma describe the fear that grips them when the muscles around the walls of their airway tighten. In the event of an asthma attack, these airways become narrower, the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell.

Sometimes, sticky mucus or phlegm builds up and further narrow the airways. This cycle often begins when asthma sufferers come into contact with something that irritates their airways (an asthma trigger). The key to preventing asthma attacks is to avoid those triggers.

Trigger-proof your home

Here are some helpful asthma prevention tips: Learn about common asthma triggers and recognise yours. Pollen travels in the wind, your best bet is to stay indoors in hot, dry and windy days. Pollen is less likely to be around in the evenings. Never hang your laundry outdoors when pollen levels are high. Remember to shower and change your clothes when you return home in the evenings.

You must avoid:

Mould spores - these grow both indoors and outdoors and love damp, dark places. Keep your surroundings as clean as possible. When you see mould, clean it up with soap and water.

Dust mites - these are tiny bugs that you cannot see. They live in sheets, blankets, pillows, carpets and stuffed toys. Wash bed linen and stuffed toys once a week. Dry completely.

Pet dander - Keep away from all furry and feathered animals. Cat and dog urine and saliva are strong allergens.

Cockroach body parts and droppings - store food in air-tight containers, clean up dishes, crumbs and spills. Keep your trash cans covered at all times.

Second-hand smoke - One of the most caring things the parents of children with asthma can do is to quit smoking. Do not let anyone smoke near your child. Smoke lingers for weeks in the house and on clothes long afterwards and can contribute to asthma attacks.

The gas that comes from cooking with wood stoves or unvented kerosene.

Chemical irritants found in household products such as cleaners, paints, adhesives, pesticides and cosmetics.

Pollen may trigger an asthma attack. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Using medication

Many persons need medicines to prevent asthma attacks. Your doctor and yourself will work out a plan to help you to control your asthma and to ensure that you live a healthy life.

There are inhalers that reduce the build-up of mucus that contribute to airway obstruction. Others decrease inflammation and help prevent attacks but are not effective when an attack is occurring. Pills, classified as leukotriene inhibitors, are now prescribed if necessary to prevent attacks as well. Remember, peak flow metres are very useful in measuring the day-to-day differences in your breathing. These metres are easy to use and give excellent indications of flare ups to which you can respond before they become acute attacks that land you in hospital.

Control your asthma today

Identify and avoid triggers in your home or environment.

Talk to your doctor about your asthma action plan.

Use a peak flow metre daily.

Know you medication and what they are used for.

Store your medication carefully.