Asthma is not easy to deal with, nor fun to have. Don't just take our word for it; hear what an actual asthmatic had to say...
"I've had asthma since I was 6 years old. As a kid I used to run around a lot, played games, had fun...the average 6 year old. But when an attack came, my world turned completely upside down. I would have my hands on my knees, gasping for air, until someone had brought me my inhaler or I was taken down to the nurse for my nebulizer. It's actually amazing what these medications can do. I can recall a time when I was playing a game of football and had left my inhaler on the bench, about 100 feet away... wrong move! I had to ask my friend, honestly, to go run and get my inhaler for me... after taking the medicine, you have a headache for about 10 minutes (or for me at least) and then you are fine. You can go back to playing without having to worry as much about another attack, because the medicine is already in the system..." -- Aakash
Once diagnosed with asthma, you should work with your doctor to formulate plans on how to keep your asthma symptoms under control. That is, devise the time at which you will be taking your medications, how often, and how much.
In addition, the surrounding environment can serve as an indicator of the degree of symptoms you have the possibility of facing. For example, cold air bothers many asthmatics. Hence, living in a cold region, such as Alaska, could potentially increase asthmatic symptoms.
Generalize what triggers your asthma. Is it pollen, animal hair, dust, and/or particular foods? Once the basic allergens are found, prepare to place you plan into action. For instance, you might vigilantly watch the pollen count and react accordingly. If you notice a particular day in the summer where pollen is at a high level, doctors would recommend staying indoors along with air conditioning. If it is animals that trigger your asthma, consider sending the animal(s) away.
Most importantly, asthma should not get in the way of your daily life. Try not to discontinue the basic elements of your previous lifestyle, but instead adapt your favorite elements so they can work. Just make sure you attempt to remain within appropriate distance from your triggers. In fact, many famous people have asthma, and it doesn't get in their way! For example, Bill Clinton, former US President for two terms (8 years), did not succumb to the difficulties introduced by asthma and managed to run an entire country!
