The 'ber Months, and Asthma.

As the 'ber months and the cold and nippy weather kick in, so do colds, cough, and flu. But for people with asthma (like me), it could be worse, as a simple cold virus can easily lead to a nasty asthma attack.

When this happens, the lining of the bronchial tubes swell, which then causes the airways to narrow and reduce the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases, however, it is the most common chronic disease among children.

According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 235 million people around the world who suffer from asthma. And these 235 million people are the ones who need to take extra precaution during the onset of cold weather.

Here are five easy tips to avoid asthma attacks during the cold seasons:

1) Take your asthma medicines regularly, as prescribed by your doctor.
2) If your asthma is easily triggered by cold air, make sure to take a puff or two of your inhaler before stepping outside.
3) Bring your inhaler wherever you go.
4) Dress warmly. Wear a scarf if possible, and make sure to cover your mouth and nose with it.
5) Be extra careful when exercising outside, in the cold weather. Warm up for at least 10-15 minutes before exercising, and take one or two puffs of your inhaler before you start.

This may sound so cliche, but an ounce of prevention is always, always worth a pound of cure.