It doesn’t feel like fall, but the pollen is definitely telling me fall is around the corner (Sept. 22). Personally, I have more problems in the fall than spring. The main fall allergies are ragweed, mold spores and dust mites. If you have asthma, these allergies can trigger more asthma attacks. That does not mean you can’t exercise. My son had severe asthma and was a national champ runner. Exercise actually helps his asthma. Even when he did cross country in the fall, he was able to manage his asthma. The main part is to be aware and know what your triggers are and prevent if possible and have the right medicine with you if you can’t stop an attack.

Unfortunately, asthma is an increasingly common lung disease in the U.S. All kinds of triggers can cause an asthma attack:

• Tobacco smoke, definitely firsthand but also secondhand.

• Dust mites. You can’t get rid of dust mites, but you can keep your house clean, get rid of carpets and have hardwood or vinyl floors (and mop them regularly). Get rid of any down-filled pillows or comforters, which are a true feast for dust mites. Wash your bedding regularly and in the hottest water setting.

• Outdoor air pollution (a big one for the increase in asthma disease).

• Cockroach allergen. The cockroach itself and their droppings can cause an asthma attack. Asthma or not, you don’t want them in your house anyway.

• Of course, our hairy family pets. If the allergy is severe, maybe look into a different pet such as a non-poisonous snake or lizard.

• Mold, any moist area can grow mold. Make sure leaks are fixed and areas well ventilated. Use a de-humidifier for trouble areas.

• Smoke from fires of wood and more, even a campfire can set off an asthma attack.

• The flu and colds can also trigger asthma attacks.

• Emotional stress, cold air, medicines such as aspirin or beta-blockers, sulfites in food or wine can also trigger an asthma attack.

• Exercise can trigger an asthma attack however; with increased conditioning, this will fade or become better with time and dedication, as I mentioned above.

These triggers are not limited or in order of importance.

Early warning signs can be breathing changes, sneezing, moodiness, headache, runny/stuffy nose, coughing, chin or throat itches, vomiting, feeling tired, dark circles under eyes, trouble sleeping and poor tolerance for exercise.

Asthma symptoms that an episode is occurring can be wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest.

Severe asthma symptoms can be severe coughing, wheezing shortness of breath or tightness in the chest, difficulty talking or concentrating, walking causes shortness of breath, breathing may be shallow and fast or slower than usual, hunched shoulders, nasal flaring, neck area and below ribs moves inward with breathing, gray or bluish tint to skin, beginning around mouth.

If you think that you or your child suffers from asthma, your first step is to go to your doctor and let them diagnose you or your child. Your doctor will give you the necessary treatment or medicine if you are suffering from asthma. As a personal trainer, I have come in contact with asthma patients numerous times and I am convinced the better shape you are, the better you can deal with your asthma, or maybe even eliminate it. But before you exercise or start exercising, talk to your doctor. As I mentioned, exercise can also be a trigger for an asthma attack. Your doctor will inform you about the do’s and don’ts.

With the proper medication and a doctor’s prescription, you can exercise with asthma, even when it is exercise induced. You might need to exercise inside until the pollen count is down. With a proper diagnosis of your doctor, the right medication and the understanding of what triggers your asthma attack, anyone who suffers from it can exercise.

Ester H. Marsh is associate executive director and director of healthy living at the J.F. Hurley YMCA.