In 1995, nearly two million people in the U.S. were forced to find immediate medical help for emergency asthma episodes. A large number of those people were diagnosed as having status asthmaticus, which is a violent, potentially fatal Asthma Emergencies, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. This usually occurs when asthma goes undiagnosed or untreated. However, any person that suffers from asthma could go through status asthmaticus. Even if your asthma is classified as mild intermittent or severe persistent, the right combination of circumstances is all that is needed for a dangerous episode.

Remember the story of the straw that finally broke the camel's back? Little by little, the load of straw on the back of the camel grew, until finally the camel collapsed under the weight. When a certain set of triggers comes into contact with your airways, a point is reached where the body can't handle the allergens. Fast-acting medication won't even help you in these instances.

But you don't have to constantly be afraid of status asthmaticus. But you do need to keep your eyes open. Always be ready. If you follow these easy steps, you can lower (but not altogether eliminate) the risk of undergoing a potentially fatal episode.

Stay away from numerous triggers (whether this is at the same time or subsequently). If you're aware that you've come into contact with multiple triggers in a row, and start to feel symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Teach yourself how to identify your body's early warning signs of asthma episodes. Act on these signs when they appear. Work with your physician to create an individualized asthma action plan, and always carry a copy so you can treat your symptoms in an emergency.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious problems. Untreated asthma episodes can be potentially fatal, so don't worry about the hour at which you call. The most important thing is to not hesitate in calling your physician.

Find out how many inhalers are covered by your insurance provider, and stockpile them. Store them everywhere, in jackets, purses, lockers, cars, anywhere that an asthma emergency can occur.

Stick to your personal asthma management plan. Always take medication when and how instructed by your doctor.

Just to be safe, wear a medical alert bracelet. Keep a copy of your updated medical history with you at all times. This history should include your current medications, doctor, and insurance company.