Wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest - sounds like asthma. It's a growing problem for children, and extends into adulthood, as well. The good news is that newer medications can help keep asthma under control, letting people live normal, active lives.

When Asthma May Strike - Know Your Triggers

The key to controlling asthma is managing your environment - and your medications. If you have asthma, it's important to know your triggers.

Here are some common situations can cause your airways to become swollen and prevent oxygen from flowing freely to your lungs:

• Allergies: Asthma is more common in people who have allergies. Approximately 60 percent of asthma cases are caused by allergies to dust mites, mold, pollen and animal dander. Experts theorize that asthma is at near-epidemic proportions because we spend more time indoors, increasing our exposure to those substances that trigger the disorder. Taking allergy medication at bedtime may help ensure that your body is properly "armed" to prevent morning allergy attacks, which, in turn, may prevent asthma from flaring.
  
  
• Cold, dry air: Exercising in cold, dry air may trigger asthma symptoms during or after the activity. If you have asthma, covering your mouth and nose with a scarf and using inhaled medications before going outdoors can help. You may need to avoid exercising outside in cold weather.
  
  
• Occupational asthma: Symptoms that tend to appear at work and disappear after leaving may indicate occupational asthma. This type of asthma is usually due to exposure to an environmental or chemical irritant, such as cigarette smoke. Treatment often means changing work environments to avoid the irritant or wearing a mask or taking medication to relieve symptoms.
  
  
• Stress: Strong emotions, such as anger and anxiety, can lead to a change in breathing, which can prompt or worsen asthma symptoms. Regular exercise, deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress.
  
  
• Exercise: People who have exercise-induced asthma typically experience breathing difficulty within minutes of beginning physical activity. Indoor swimming is an excellent activity for people with exercise-induced asthma because the warm, humid environment is less likely to cause symptoms. Other steps to reduce exercise-induced asthma include warming up for at least 10 minutes and using inhaled medications before exercising.
  
  
• Sulfites: These chemicals are found in wine, beer, shrimp, dried fruit and processed potatoes and can cause breathing difficulty for many people with asthma. To reduce symptoms, avoid sulfites. If you have asthma, avoiding triggers and using medications regularly and properly can reduce the frequency of symptoms, prevent acute attacks and help you live a healthy, active life.

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