Check the air pollution index (courtesy MyHealth Beijing).

If the index is too high, try to stay indoors. That's the minimum you can do. I'm disgusting and have a couple of air purifier units in my home. They are great for asthmatics and will make a lot of difference, especially if you have one running next to your bed when you sleep. They are, however, fairly expensive.

As to masks, you can buy N-95s in certain international health care providers and pharmacies. The cloth masks will only keep your face warm. There are more expensive masks available at places like the World Health Store for people who like to run outdoors for some reason.

You can get the N-95 masks I mentioned cheaply here as they're still stocked since the H1N1 scare. I would check the local pharmacies. I think I saw some at Beijing Family United for the princely sum of 25 kuai. Keep in mind for these to be truly effective you should change them once or twice a day! I'd only use a mask on a really bad pollution day.

If you're serious about asthma, consider buying a Respro. Check out http://www.respro.com/. You can get one before you come here, as they're outrageously expensive. You'll have to buy new filters here, but it saves you some money at least.

Warning: Wearing one outdoors risks you looking like a ninja from the future.

I did date a girl who had mild asthma. Besides using her inhaler a few times, she didn't seem bothered much by Beijing's pollution. I suggest you check out www.myhealthbeijing.com for further information about asthma in Beijing.

Also, Kit, one last thing. If you suffer a major asthma attack, know your medical insurance/financial situation and the nearest facility to where you're going to live, and plan out what you're going to do if you get in trouble.

Peace.

Love that ninja quote.

As long as you go to safe and legitimate pharmacies. Go to reputable ones like Golden Elephant if you're at all paranoid.

Asthma is a prolonged term disease that can be treated. It is only control by some treatments. Anti inflammatory drugs, particularly inhaled steroids, are the most important treatment for most people with asthma. Asthma is treated with two types of medicines long term control and quick relief medicines it depend upon your age. Asthma inhalers are the most prevalent and powerful way to deliver asthma drugs to the lungs.

A person should take extra care if he/she is suffering from asthma. As discussed above, keep your mask and pump along with you, every time.