Asthma affects many Americans each year. It's a condition that affects the lungs, which can make it hard to breathe. In some cases, asthma can even be fatal. Luckily, there are steps you can take to get your asthma under control. Here are four things you should do to treat this condition:

1. See a doctor for your shortness of breath.

Many people with asthma don't even realize that they suffer from this condition. They may think that their shortness of breath is normal. If you feel unusually winded after even light exercise or if you suddenly experience shortness of breath for no reason, you should see your doctor immediately. They will perform tests to measure your lung capacity and blood oxygenation, which can help them diagnose you with asthma.

2. Take your maintenance medication as directed.

Once you've been diagnosed with asthma, your doctor will likely start you on a regimen of asthma treatment meant to prevent asthma attacks. These treatments may come in the form of an oral pill, or they may be inhalers. No matter what medications your doctor prescribes, it's important that you take them regularly. Asthma medication is more effective when taken as directed, so don't skip any days without your doctor's approval.

3. Always carry your rescue inhaler with you.

A rescue inhaler is an inhaler full of powerful, short-acting medication. Often, this medication is albuterol. During an asthma attack, your airways constrict, and a rescue inhaler is a bronchodilator which will reverse this process. Rescue inhalers are very effective, but they can only work if you're able to take the medication. That's why it's important to have your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Get into the habit of putting it in your backpack, pocket, or purse. You never know when you might need it, and you definitely don't want to be caught without it in a crisis. 

4. Seek emergency medical treatment if you have an asthma attack.

Your rescue inhaler is meant to stop an asthma attack once it starts. However, you may eventually run into a situation where your rescue inhaler isn't enough to restore your ability to breathe. If this happens to you, you should seek emergency medical treatment immediately. At the emergency room, doctors will probably put you on a nebulizer, a machine that turns asthma medication into a fine mist which allows it to be more easily absorbed by your lungs.