Come winter and asthmatic people start dreading the attack. Although you can have an asthma attack anytime and in any season, it is more frequent during winter as cold aggravates the intensity of this disease.  During asthma the patient suffers from shortness of breath which can be cured only by treatment and proper medication. The asthma affected patient makes a peculiar wheezing sound which comes out due to interruption in breathing. Mostly wheezing sound is made while exhaling but in cases when the attack is more severe, the sound comes out even during inhaling.

Although asthma is not hereditary, the occurrence is 25% more in people having asthma prone parents. Asthma is a chronic ailment and usually starts from infancy and stays till the end. Some of the cares you need to take during asthma attack:

• An asthmatic person is habituated to the regular symptoms of restlessness, irritation in chest, cold and cough infection and wheezing. If you are a regular sufferer you should instantly take the prescribed medicine and should try to control the attack before it starts.
• Asthmatic prescriptions usually contain two types of medicines: Preventive medicines and reliever medicine. Once you are sure that the attack has started do not use the preventive medicine instead, use the reliever medicine to reduce the effect of the attack.
• Similarly, doctors advise two different colored inhalers. One is meant for regular use as a prevention step and the other as a relieving inhaler. Always use the right colored inhaler so that it reduces the discomfort of asthma instantly.   
• Relaxed breathing is one of the most effective ways of reducing the problem of asthma attack. To enable more comfortable breathing sit in a chair in upright position with cushions to support the back and head. Try to drop your neck and shoulders and concentrate on breathing with nose and not through mouth.
• Use lip-purse breathing technique. Purse your lips like you blow a whistle and exhale. Continue doing this till your breathing becomes normal and you feel relaxed and comfortable. If you feel tired take break in regular intervals.
• If you feel that there is more amount of mucus in the throat or chest, try to cough so that the mucus loosen up and spit on tissue paper.
• Even after following these steps, asthma is not getting cured call the doctor immediately.

Some habits which can stop frequent occurrence of asthma

• Dust and dirt have allergic effect on asthma. Try to stay away from places which are exposed to dust.
• Smell of paint and scrapped wall particles can also stimulate an asthma attack. So if you are having painting done at home, use a mask to cover your mouth and nose.
• Try skipping those foods which elevate the effect of asthma. Oily stuff, curd and sour fruits should be necessarily avoided.
• Always keep your preventive inhaler with you so that the problem can be reduced to a large extent.