Learn to identify your triggers. Keep a diary detailing all the environmental and emotional factors that affect you every day over the course of several months. When you have an asthma attack, go back to your diary to see which factor, or combination of factors, might have contributed to it.

Monitor the shifts in your lung capacity at home. For this you'll need a peak flow meter, a device that your doctor can prescribe for you. Once you're aware of reductions in your ability to exhale, you can take precautions and lessen the severity of an asthma episode.

Avoid foods and drinks that have high concentrations of sulfites. These include beer, wine, wine vinegar, instant tea, grape juice, lemon juice, grapes, fresh shrimp, pizza dough, dried fruits, canned vegetables, instant potatoes, corn syrup, fruit topping, and molasses. Some nutritionists recommend that you also steer clear of foods that cause excess mucus production. These include milk and milk products. Talk to a dietitian about changing your diet to improve asthma symptoms.

Reduce exposure to tobacco smoke. Do not allow smoking in your home or car, and avoid public places that permit smoking.

Get a flu shot every year to protect against the flu virus, which can trigger asthma.

• DO NOT SMOKE. Avoid second-hand smoke.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and what causes them.
• Avoid things that have caused an asthma attack in the past. This includes foods, food additives, pets and other animals, pollens, grasses, molds and dust.
• Stay indoors when the pollen counts are high or when there is a lot of air pollution.
• Stay away from things that irritate your airways, like smoke and fumes.
• Do not use household cleaning products that might cause breathing problems.

• If you are allergic to cats or dogs, do not keep them in your home. At least keep them out of your bedroom. Bathe your cat or dog weekly in warm water. Cat dander often causes an asthma attack. Dander will stay in the house for months, even after you remove the cat.

• Wash all your bedding -- sheets, blankets, and covers -- in very hot water every week. This kills many of the dust mites that live in the bedding. Dust mites are one of the most likely causes of asthma attacks.

• Use only washable blankets and bedspreads (avoid wool and feathers or down).
• Use foam or polyester-filled pillows, not feathers or down.
• Use plastic casings on your mattress and pillows.
• Remove stuffed animals and other dust collectors from your bedroom.
• Use wooden or plastic furniture, not upholstered furniture.
• Use blinds or washable curtains, not draperies.
• Get rid of carpets and use washable cotton throw rugs.
• Clean, dust and damp mop weekly.
• Replace or clean your furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly.
• Air cleaners do not help.
• For information on allergy-control products, call 1-800-422-DUST.

• If you have hay fever or sinus problems, keep them under control. Hay fever and sinus problems can make your asthma worse.