Symptoms

• Some symptoms of mild asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing.
  
  

Diagnosis

• A doctor can run some tests to determine if you have asthma and how bad it is. This can be done by X-raying your lungs, running blood tests and using a spirometer to judge how deep a breath you can take and how long you can hold it.
  
  

Treatment

• Inhalers are commonly used to treat mild asthma symptoms.
  
  

Causes

• Exercise, smoke, cold weather, allergies or an upper respiratory infection can set off an asthma attack.
  
  

Prevention

• Don't smoke or be around those who do smoke. Keeping your house clean and free of dust or pet dander, and drinking plenty of water, are other ways to prevent an asthma attack.