General Guidelines for Managing Asthma Making some lifestyle
changes can help you avoid triggers that may cause an asthma
attack. - Reduce your exposure to allergens that trigger asthma.
- Pay attention to warning signs when they occur. - Treat
symptoms early. - Ask your doctor about physical activity. - Get
a yearly flu shot. Because there are many types of allergens
that may trigger asthma, it is nearly impossible to completely
eliminate all allergens from your environment. However, there
are many things that you can do to help reduce allergens and
minimize your exposure to asthma triggers. The National Heart,
Lung, and Blood Institute offers these suggestions: Take these
steps to control dust mites: - Wash bedding once a week in hot
water. Water must be hotter than 130 degrees F (60 degrees C) to
kill dust mites. - Cover mattresses and pillows in dust-proof
(allergen-impermeable) zippered covers. - Avoid cloth-covered
cushions. - If your pillow does not have a dust proof cover,
wash your pillow each week i