The key with asthma is managing the symptoms and recognizing its triggers, because you'll never truly cure the condition, says Saglimbeni. These can include pollen, mold, animals, pollution and certain foods. Vigorous exercise, stress and infections such as colds and flu can also bring on asthma attacks. Certain asthma triggers such as cold air, dust, feathers and cigarette smoke can be eliminated and avoided. Other triggers can be carefully managed.
Exercise is one trigger that's worth working around.
Staying fit enables you to better tolerate the demands that asthma puts on your body. If exercise is a trigger, you may need to take more rest breaks. Or you may make a point of taking asthma medicine before a workout. If you know you are prone to having an attack as a result of a certain activity, your doctor may prescribe a steroid-based inhaler to be taken before the activity. Work with your doctor to identify triggers and learn how to handle attacks as they occur.