Dear MIRIAM: BREATHE FREELY.

Byline: Dr MIRIAM STOPPARD

Dear Miriam I'M 16 and have asthma. It always gets worse in winter and any cough or cold sets it off.

I'm pretty good at managing it, I even play a bit of football, but are any extra tips you could give me?

WELL done for keeping your asthma under control as it's not easy with so many winter bugs around, and for playing some sport as staying fit can help to compensate for lung problems.

IF you haven't got one, ask your doctor to prescribe a peak flow meter to give you an instant read-out of how bad your wheeziness is and indicate if you should take action. All you do is blow into it as hard as you can and take a reading.

TO help you stay calm if you get wheezing at night and can't find your inhaler, buy a Glow Cap, which glows in the dark and you'll spot it easily.

I'M sure your inhaling technique is good but, if not, a spacer would help sort out the problem because it delivers practically all of the medication to where it's needed - your airways.

AN iPod could be therapeutic too. Choose music that will help you relax. If you feel wheezing coming on, play your favourite tracks and it will help you stay calm.