Asthma is a 24/7 disease although you may have no effect from it for ages and suddenly something will trigger it off. If it is looked after and controlled your asthma will let you live a normal life. Try to avoid things that trigger an attack like dust mites, pollen, smoke. Knowing the warning signs you can avoid an attack and you can carry on with every day life. That is a very big indicator of asthma and should be checked out post haste. Other things need be ruled out from anyone who thinks they may have asthma are heart disease, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only a doctor can diagnose asthma, you should always see one right away if you feel endangered. P with what they think is minor problems, telling themselves it s just a cold or touch of flu etc, They do not tell them that their asthma is getting worse or that the wheezing will not stop. Because of this they suffer severe attacks purely because they did not get the medical help that they did not think they needed. Your doctor will no doubt prescribe medicine that will help treat your symptoms, and help prevent the onslaught of an asthma attack. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, talk to your neighborhood pharmacist or look for information online. Use the resources that you have to learn all your can about asthma, your asthma medication, and what you can do to help you breathe easy in spite of asthma. There are many products available today that control the craving for cigarettes, and your doctor can even prescribe aids that will help you kick any existing smoking habit. The problem for many people who have asthma is often not first-person smoking, but the second-hand smoke to which they are exposed. Living with asthma doesn t have to be a drag it just means doing a little extra cleaning, perhaps, and putting out the cigarettes. This is a small price to pay when it means breathing easier (and even living cleaner). Once the home and work place are relatively free of dust, dander, and smoke, living with asthma is almost exactly like living without asthma.