Acute attacks can be triggered by many things, including irritants (smoke or strong odors), allergens (dust mites, molds, etc.), exercise , upper respiratory infections, and changes in the weather. The best treatments are to avoid the things that trigger attacks (keep a diary), follow the environmental controls described below, use any preventative treatments that have been prescribed for everyday, and get a
flu shot each year.Uncontrolled medical problems, including
allergic rhinitis and gastroesophageal reflux can also make
asthma worse, and should be treated if also present.You may also be able to prevent asthma attacks if you can predict when your brother is going to have an asthma attack and begin his medications early. You can learn to predict attacks by watching for warning signs, including a drop in peak flows, worsening allergies, runny nose,
cough, exposure to a known trigger, etc.