In addition to working with your doctor, you can take measures to help control your asthma. The key is to track down the triggers and, as completely as possible, eliminate them from your life. In short, you can help counter an asthma attack before it happens. Here’s how:

Make peace with pollen. Pollen is released when plants are blooming trees in the spring, grass in the late spring and early summer, ragweed from mid-August until the first frost. Plants that are pollinated by the wind are much more of a problem for asthmatics than are those pollinated by insects. Avoid cutting grass or even being outside while grass is being mowed. Keep your windows closed as much as possible—pollen can get through screens, too—and use an air conditioner to cool your home instead. Room air purifiers are also available that can purify recirculated air, removing particles of all sorts that are suspended in the air and further cleansing the air by passing it through a charcoal filter. After being outside in the midst of pollen, take off your clothes and wash them or at least run a vacuum over the articles of clothing. Wash yourself, too, and don’t forget your hair.

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Fungus is a parasite that can literally ‘grow on you. It can grow on nonliving organic material, too, in several forms—mold, dry rot, and downy mildew. Fungi reproduce by producing spores. The spores are the real problem, as millions of them float through the air to be inhaled in every breath, touching off an allergic reaction that can contribute to asthma. To stave off the spores, health professionals advises you to:

• Keep your windows closed, because the mold spores can come right in through the windows even if the windows have screens.
• Stay out of attics, basements, and other dank, musty places.
• Wear a face mask and give your bathroom a going-over for signs of mold. (Better yet, have a nonallergic family member do this.) The most likely spots for mold growth: dark areas, such as the backs of cabinets and under the sink.

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Dust mites are microscopic insects that thrive on food debris and high humidity. Since they are among the most common allergic asthma triggers, dust-proofing is a must.

• Enclose your mattress in an airtight, dust proof cover, then cover it with a washable mattress pad. Keep a bedspread on the bed during the day.
• Wash your sheets in hot water every week, wash your mattress pads and synthetic blankets every two weeks, and wash your pillows every month.

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