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Step 1
The first step is to figure out the cause of your symptoms. Do you have a hard time breathing when you are engaged in physical activity? Or do you begin wheezing when you are around pets and allergens like dust? First, figure out what is the main cause of your asthma and then find ways to avoid contact with your triggers. If exercise is the culprit, however, then do not avoid it. Exercise is actually very good for preventing asthma symptoms. Over time, working out will actually help you and improve your asthma. Try taking a few puffs of your inhaler immediately BEFORE your physical activities. By predicting your trigger, you will be able to avoid or resist (or lessen) an attack.
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Step 2
Ask your doctor for a peak flow meter where you can track your own lung function. This meter looks just like an extended "mega" inhaler and it works by measuring your lung capacity after you blow into the timed inhaler. This will help alert you to small changes in your airways before symptoms arrive. The peak flow meter is very helpful among asthma sufferers.
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Step 3
Lastly, ask your doctor today about long term preventative asthma care. There are inhalers that your doctor can prescribe that when taken once a day, will reduce the incident of asthma flair-ups and airway constriction. There are also tablets like prednisone that work to reduce inflammation in your airways. If you are using your rescue inhaler (Albuterol, Pro Air HFA) at least once or twice a day, you may want to strongly consider a long term daily preventative medication to manage your symptoms.
