Introduction

Start with a positive attitude and daily awareness of your condition.

Maybe you've had asthma most or all of your life. Maybe you have just been diagnosed. The important thing is to be calm, without being casual, about asthma and to take an active role in your own treatment. Keep a positive attitude. You have a condition that doesn't go away -- it's there every day. That's what chronic means. But, by being aware of it every day, you have the power to help control it.

Control means feeling better, preventing "attacks," and reducing symptoms like wheezing or coughing. Control means less fear and worry.

There's no mystery to control. Simply by following the daily treatment plan your doctor or other health care professional prescribes, you can:

• Help prevent attacks before they occur
• Enjoy physical activity (exercise, sports, etc.)
• Help avoid emergency room visits
• Participate actively in social situations
• Have near-normal lung function

Almost anyone with asthma can do it. You'll find that a daily positive attitude is very important to taking control of asthma.