Asthma may be treated by a combination of drug therapy and the avoidance of known asthma triggers. The need for drugs, and which drugs are necessary, depends on the severity of the asthma. Avoiding known triggers is a very good way to control asthma. Many people with asthma have allergies that cause the attacks, eg. Other people get attacks from irritants in the air, such as smoke, perfumes and gas odours.
Some attacks result from respiratory infections like colds and flu.
People with asthma should also never smoke, and should avoid areas where others smoke. Avoiding Trouble From Acute Attacks It is far better to avoid attacks than to have to treat them when they come on. It that is impossible, continue to take your preventive medicines to give you some protection. If you are prone to asthma when a cold goes onto your chest, start the treatment your doctor has advised promptly before wheezing develops. Learn to recognise when your asthma is getting worse so that you can start treatment early.