As the city heads into peak cold and flu season, health officials are warning residents to take extra precautions — especially those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The Bronx has the highest rate of adult asthma in New York City, with about 21% of adults diagnosed, according to city Environment and Health Data. Ivonne Quinones was diagnosed with asthma at age 25. For years, her symptoms were so severe she was hospitalized several times a week. “It doesn’t let you sleep, it doesn’t let you eat — you can’t do anything when you have asthma,” Quinones said. “When I eat, my food goes up because I can’t breathe.” Now 35 years later, Quinones said her condition is well managed. She visits Lincoln Medical Center every four months for routine checkups and can walk long distances without shortness of breath. “I can walk miles and miles,” she said. “Before, I used to walk half a block and was already out of breath.” Quinones credits her progress to the care she’s received from Dr. Riyad Basir, chief of pulmonary, ICU and stroke services at Lincoln Medical Center. Basir said understanding how to properly use inhalers and taking controller medications is key to preventing asthma attacks. “We have medications we call controllers — they control the inflammation in the lungs and help prevent acute attacks,” Basir said. While asthma can’t be cured, Basir said it can be managed effectively. Avoiding common triggers such as cigarette smoke and strong cleaning supplies can help reduce flare-ups. “Cigarette smoke is the worst deciding factor that can trigger a bad asthma attack,” Basir said. “Cleaning supplies, Clorox and ammonia can also trigger attacks.” Basir said the clinic at Lincoln sees dozens of asthma patients each day. As the colder months approach, his top recommendation for patients is to get a flu shot to help stay healthy and prevent complications.