Can Asthma Be Prevented?

Currently, there isn't a way to prevent asthma from starting in the first place. However, you can take steps to control the disease and prevent its symptoms.

• Learn about your asthma and how to control it.
• Follow your written asthma action plan. (See the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Asthma Action Plan as a sample.)
• Use medicines as your doctor directs.
• Identify and avoid things that make your asthma worse (as much as you can).
• Keep track of your asthma symptoms and level of control.
• Get regular checkups for your asthma.

For more details about how to prevent asthma symptoms and attacks, see "How Is Asthma Treated?"