Unfortunately, your asthma can act up whether you're at work, at home, or at play. And each person may have different reactions. By following the tips below, you can learn to minimize the asthma triggers around you so you may help control your symptoms.

You can help control asthma symptoms by identifying and avoiding your known asthma triggers. In fact, identifying and avoiding asthma triggers should be part of a detailed action plan to help manage your asthma successfully and control asthma symptoms. It may not be possible to completely eliminate all asthma triggers, but you should try to remove as many triggers as possible from your home and work environments.

Monitor your medicines.
Aspirin, cold medicines, nonsteroidal medicines (i.e., ibuprofen and naproxen), some medicines for heart disease and high blood pressure, and even some eye drops may cause your asthma to act up. So talk to your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

Care for colds and infections.
Your doctor can help you with a treatment plan. It's also a good idea to get an annual flu shot. And of course, try to stay healthy by eating right, exercising, and avoiding others with colds.

Eat foods that won't trigger your asthma.
If your asthma seems to act up after eating and drinking certain foods and drinks, like beer, wine, shrimp, dried fruit, or processed potatoes, try eliminating them from your diet.

Avoid pollen or outdoor mold.
During allergy season, consider staying inside midday and afternoon, when pollen counts are high. Close your doors and windows to keep out airborne pollens and molds that may trigger your asthma. And ask your doctor whether you should adjust your asthma treatment.

Remove indoor mold.
Fix leaky faucets and pipes. Use bleach to clean any mold lingering on shower curtains and surfaces. If the bleach triggers your asthma, try wearing a mask or asking someone else to clean for you. Added moisture encourages mold to grow. Using a dehumidifier can help.

Reduce smoke, strong odors, and sprays.
Smoke from cigarettes, pipes, or even a stove may irritate your asthma symptoms. So can perfumes, paints, hair spray, and powders. What's more, these scents and odors may often linger in your house. Your best bet is to avoid them as much as possible.

Turn on the air conditioning.
If airborne pollens and molds trigger your asthma, air conditioning can help relieve some symptoms. However, air conditioning can cause temperatures to change abruptly, which in turn can trigger an asthma attack. Be sure to monitor the air conditioning carefully.

Pace yourself during activities.
Warm up, then cool down to help avoid an asthma flare-up. And don't forget to pace yourself. If you can't carry on a conversation, you may be working too hard. If your asthma symptoms act up, take a break. Of course, you should also take any recommended medications, as well as consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Take cover in cold weather.
Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days to avoid an asthma flare-up.

Control pet dander.
Your lovable pet may trigger your asthma. Pet dander can even spread throughout your home. So keep pets away from your bedroom, furniture covered in fabric, carpets, and even stuffed toys.

Eliminate mites and cockroaches.
Keep your home as clean and dust free as possible. To get rid of mites, cover mattresses and box springs with dust-proof covers and wash all bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) once a week. Replace your pillows at least once every five years. To avoid roaches, use traps and avoid leaving food out.

Use man-made fibers, not feathers.
While feather and down pillows, quilts, and cushions may seem comfy, they may cause your asthma to act up. Instead, buy ones filled with man-made fibers. Also, consider replacing curtains with blinds, and carpets with wood floors.

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