During the hot weather season, people with asthma and allergies should drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke whenever possible.

Call ahead to order a special meal on the airplane. Or pack your own "safe" snacks.

When eating out, ask the waiter if sulfites have been used as a food preservative. If so, find out whether special preparations without sulfite additives can be ordered. If eating out in a country where you don't speak the language, have a warning note drafted in the local language that alerts wait staff to your allergy.

Prior to beginning a lengthy auto trip to your vacation spot, take appropriate measures to rid the vehicle's ventilating and air conditioning system of mold and mildew.

For those prone to exercise-induced asthma, it may be a good idea to keep prescribed emergency medication on you at all times.

Request a hotel room that is nonsmoking and mold-free.