Triggers are things like smoke, dust pollen or cold air that irritate your airways. Know what your triggers are and avoid them when you can. Both inflammation and bronchoconstriction play a role. The inflammation is always there to some extent, even when you feel fine. If left untreated, inflammation can cause damage to the airways.
Medicines can help prevent symptoms.
Long-term control medicines treat the underlying inflammation and bronchoconstriction and greatly reduce or help prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place. Ask your doctor if these are right for you. If your asthma is well controlled, you shouldn't need to use quick-relief medicine more than twice a week. Asthma needs to be watched and cared for over a long time. Your asthma does not go away just because your symptoms do.