by Dr. Rob for MSN Health & Fitness:
For starters, it is important to know that a 
condition or stimulus brings on most asthma attacks. We call these "triggers." Examples include: allergens (mold, pollen, pet dander, dust mites), irritants (tobacco smoke, room deodorizers), exercise (running), weather (cold air), infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) and even emotions (being anxious or scared).
Simple measures can go a long way toward your breathing independence. Here are some tips:
Don’t smoke. [Cigarette chemicals] are powerful irritants that linger on walls, furniture, carpets and clothing, as well as in ductwork.
Control the dust. Curtains are dust traps. Dust all furniture, pictures, vent covers and floor surfaces with a damp cloth.
Go on pet patrol. This can be an emotional issue…. At the very least, keep pets out of the bedroom 24/7.
Don’t eat in the bedroom. Cockroaches feed on crumbs. Their fecal matter can trigger some people’s asthma.
Dry up the damp. Get the hamper and plants out of the bedroom.
Have your air ducts professionally cleaned.
Reduce humidity in the home to 45 percent or less.
Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and encased motor.
Use dust mite powder while vacuuming and dusting at least once per week.
Replace heating and ventilation filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Use exhaust fans or open a window in your bathroom after showering.
Make sure fuel burning appliances are vented to the outside to avoid potential exposure to the pollutant nitrogen dioxide.
Do not use home air purifiers that produce ozone, as they can trigger asthma flare-ups.
