In a recent study, more than 1 out of 2 people with serious asthma didn’t use their daily medications when they had no symptoms. These people believed that they had asthma only when they were experiencing symptoms. They considered asthma as similar to a cold or the flu.

In fact, asthma doesn’t disappear between attacks. Taking preventive medication every day—even when you have no symptoms—improves asthma control and reduces your risk of being hospitalized.

Why Asthma Control Is Important
When you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are always swollen. During an asthma attack, they become even more swollen and narrow. This makes it hard to breathe. Taking medication every day reduces the swelling and helps prevent asthma attacks.

Tips for Improving Asthma
Your asthma may improve simply by taking preventive medications exactly as your doctor tells you to. No matter what type of medication you use, be sure to take it every day, even if you don’t feel any symptoms.