Quality of life for people with asthma has increased considerably over the past two decades. We know more about the disease, and offer many more effective treatments. People with mild to moderate asthma - 95% of all asthmatics - can engage in most of the same activities as non-asthmatics.

Exercise is a good example. Children with asthma were once excused from physical education at school because activity might cause wheezing. With proper management, children with asthma can now participate fully in sports and games. Many Olympic athletes have asthma, but it hasn't interfered with their performance. In fact, studies have found that young people in good physical shape have less difficulty controlling their asthma. With good medical management, most people with asthma can attend school or work regularly, sleep through the night and play during the day.

However, people with asthma should observe a few precautions. They are wise to avoid certain physical activities, like scuba diving, unless a physician gives approval. Perhaps the biggest limitation is avoiding asthma triggers, such as pet hair, pollen and other allergy-triggering substances; irritants such as cigarette smoke and perfume; and viral chest infections. Different triggers affect different people with asthma; you should recognize what your triggers are and avoid them when possible.

It can take a bit of work for someone with asthma to lead an essentially normal life, but the benefits are worth the effort. Find a physician you can work with, who will do the diagnostic testing which will tell you how to manage your asthma. Learning which medications work best, and establishing a routine for taking them on schedule, requires commitment and patience. For young children and teenagers, this advice poses an additional developmental challenge not always easy to overcome. The work pays off over the years, though, because good management of your asthma will allow you to live a full, active life.