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Medical Author:

Irina Petrache, MD

Medical Author:

Catherine Sears, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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The best way to treat asthma is to avoid having an attack in the first place. Avoid exposure to your asthma triggers. This might improve your symptoms and reduce the amount of medication you have to take.

• If you smoke, quit. Smoking can harm you and your fetus. Avoid being around others who are smoking; secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Secondhand smoke also can cause asthma and other health problems in your children.



• If you have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (for example, heartburn), avoid eating large meals or lying down after eating.



• Stay away from people who have a cold, the flu, or other infection.



• Avoid things you are allergic to.



• Remove contaminants and irritants from your home.



• Avoid your known personal triggers (cat dander, exercise, whatever sets you off).

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