Do you suffer from asthma?

Asthma suffers should keep fit and active according to advice released to mark World Asthma Day.

Four out of ten people with asthma say their condition can stop them exercising, yet research shows that active people can control their asthma symptoms more effectively and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease suffered by an estimated 30 million people in Europe. One person dies every hour from asthma, according to figures from the European Federation of Allergy.

Do you or any of your family suffer from asthma? How does it affect sufferers' lives? Does exercise help alleviate symptoms?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

I'm 46 now and have had asthma for as long as I can remember. I believe exercise does help. In my case it has strengthened my chest muscles and increases my peak flow. Anyone who can carry out some exercise or take part in a sport would benefit.
David, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear

I have had asthma for several years now. I regularly go to the gym, walk briskly to most places instead of taking the car and I have gradually reduced my dependency on medication. Living proof that exercise does help.
Kev, Portsmouth

I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 11 after a series of chest infections and have been on and off inhalers since then. Sometimes I can manage without them for months but then something can set me off and I'll be on them again for a few months until I manage to control it again.
Scott, Gosport

I have almost eliminated mine by losing weight Mary, London

As a high risk asthma sufferer who has lost a family member to it, I have almost eliminated mine by losing weight, eating more fresh food and less dairy and taking exercise.
Mary, London

On a Radio 4 programme some significant claims were made about the value of playing a wind instrument (esp. brass) in developing better control of respiration. Seemed to work well for one sample.
Denis Murphy, Birmingham

Three people I know live almost asthma-free for ten and five years after having suffered from respiratory problems for a long time by using eucalyptus oil.
Mohan Singh, India

I have had asthma since childhood. I am also allergic to animal dander (it triggers my asthma). I have had bronchial pneumonia, whooping cough and a collapsed diaphragm - all triggered by my weakened lungs. I have to take numerous different inhalers daily and yet I have managed to complete the London to Brighton bike ride three times, have trained as a kayak instructor and played rugby for four years.
Glen, UK

The Buteyko Method cleared up my worsening asthma Patrick, Cardiff

The Buteyko Method, as covered in the BBC's Horizon, cleared up my worsening asthma and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.
Patrick, Cardiff

Asthma's already killed me once, a respiratory arrest that left me clinically dead for eight minutes. I can still exercise hard and get fit if I'm smart about it. In Australia I averaged more than 180km a week on my bike. Here, when it isn't raining, riding the same distance is a greater workout due to the heat. Asthma is like obesity, there are many great excuses and I disregard most of them. Some great sportsmen and women have been asthmatic, it didn't slow them down.
Aaron, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

I have suffered with asthma for most of my life, being diagnosed when I was in my late thirties (49 now). I am reluctant to use the two inhalers as they make me dizzy and I am afraid to be too reliant upon them.
Robert Hayes, Havant

Exercise certainly helps; a lot of walking is a basic necessity for healthier asthma. At my fittest, I was able to compete in and win cross country races despite quite bad asthma.
Mark Wollacott, Osaka, Japan

When you have a problem such as asthma you have to care for the rest of your body even more Laurence, Luton

A lot of people who have asthma let it control them, and refuse to exercise, but also fail to realise the importance of diet. Did anyone see Jamie's Kitchen, when the kids had been eating properly for just one week? The school nurse reported a complete eradication of kids coming to them for inhalers, as opposed to several only a day before? When you have a problem such as asthma you have to care for the rest of your body even more!
Laurence, Luton

We need the world's attention to this killer infection. We are appealing for a cure. Medication control is not enough.
B Badjie, Banjul, The Gambia

I have reduced my intake of medication by 75% by not behaving like a person with a disability, taking regular exercise such as hill walking, yoga and meditation. Also why do diabetics receive free prescriptions, and yet asthmatics don't? My charges total £156 per annum, which I struggle to afford.
Julie Simpson, Nottingham

I was diagnosed with asthma the year after I came to Cambridge for study. It was probably caused by the levels of pollution, much higher than those in the semi rural area I grew up in. Unfortunately my sport doesn't help me other than to increase my lung capacity. I swim and one of triggers is high chlorine levels!
Cate, Cambridge, England

If you have asthma be aware that air pollution, even those fumes given off by household activities could kill you Muriel, Wasaga Beach, Canada

My daughter developed asthma at age three and though she was regularly seen by the family physician and a specialist, she died of complications during an asthma attack - the doctors suggested the cause of the severe attack was her exposure to the fumes emitting from tile adhesive - moral: if you have asthma be aware that air pollution, even those fumes given off by household activities could kill you.
Muriel, Wasaga Beach, Canada

When my doctor initially diagnosed my allergic asthma, he told me it was likely food-related and that I should go away and 'experiment' with not eating different foods. Six months on and I can now longer eat bread, and my fear is that there are other dangers lurking in my diet that my doctor is not interested in.
Megann, London

I got asthma through working in an engineering company through the dust filth that was in the factory. My wife got asthma through working for the NHS in mental health - the people were told they could smoke as much as they liked in fact the hospital where she worked they had several fires through smoking
P J Thompson, Leicester

I suddenly developed severe allergies and asthma when the Army transferred me to Texas. The doctors gave me the most up to date medicines but they didn't help. A year and a half later I was transferred to DC and within three months my asthma disappeared but I still have moderate allergies. The weird part is that the air quality in San Antonio, TX is much better than the air quality here in DC. I did have the same problem as Roger, though, everyone around me seemed to be addicted to air fresheners.
Joy Lynn, USA

My wife has suffered from asthma for many years and it almost caused her death on our honeymoon. It's mostly controlled now, thanks to improved medication, but two things still cause her distress: people smoking nearby, and the ubiquitous oil-seed rape which now seems to pollute the country air for much of the spring and summer months. Like many of your correspondents, we cannot understand why a life-threatening condition like asthma does not qualify for free preventative medication.
Steve, Huntingdon, UK

I have had asthma since I was two. I'm now 24. Sadly I have the magic three - asthma, eczema and hayfever which apparently are linked through your genes. Exercise has had no influence on my asthma over the years, and for the last three years I have suffered from violent attacks, sometimes going unconscious. I know I could have a serious attack at any time but I get on with my life. Sadly too many people spend their time stuffing themselves with burgers and then when they can't get upstairs they claim they're asthmatic. I think this it is totally unfair those of us who are genuine sufferers are lumped together with those who are rather too fond of sitting on their sofa.
Sara, Birmingham, UK

The facilities are there for care but surgeries cannot make patients take advantage Fran Deimel, Torquay

Asthma is a main disease register under the GMS contract. Surgeries are expected to review patient once a year. I send out the review invite letters. Less than half the patients bother to book an appointment to see a doctor or nurse. The facilities are there for care but surgeries cannot make patients take advantage.
Fran Deimel, Torquay

My older brother who is now 26 has suffered from chronic asthma all his life. I remember him being hospitalised for a lot of his childhood and the fear of an asthma attack if we were ever alone. My brother is now not only a Tae-Kwon-Do instructor but he enjoys horse riding and tennis. He never wanted his asthma to prevent him from doing anything in his life and he is living proof that you really can achieve anything. Not taking any exercise I think would make it worse.
Mandy Cassidy, Reading

For some illnesses that are serious and require regular medication such as diabetes quite rightly medication is free. Clearly successive governments do not take asthmas seriously; otherwise there would be no prescription charges for asthmatics after all as the survey suggest it is a serious illness, which needs regular medication. It's a pity it not covered in the election.
Andrew, Islington, London

Exercise does help to increase lung capacity and it clears mucus from the lungs Carole Evans, Chester, England

Exercise does help to increase lung capacity and it clears mucus from the lungs, making it easier to take air in. I would very much like to see effective action to ban smoking in public places, as smoke exacerbates asthma. I have a right to be able to breath clean air which is much more important than any purported right to smoke.
Carole Evans, Chester, England

Asthma is an awful disease and I've seen people suffering a major attack: an awful, pity invoking sight. But still this leaves me with a nagging doubt. Being ex-Forces, I saw men join up clutching pumps for the start of basic training and throw them away at the end of the six weeks. Exercise does work - I've seen it. Of the four out of 10 people who say that their condition stops them exercising, how many of them puff away on 20 or so ciggies a day, or down pints of ale, or eat pork pies, chips etc? Of course, you'll only ever see them drink diet Coke!
Jason, Somerset

Exercise was the last thing I tried after seeing a GP and alternative therapists when my asthma returned after almost 30 years. It turned out to be a miracle cure for me, with symptoms disappearing after two days. I have always felt the time of the exercise was important: a brusque walk with the dogs at the start of the day did the trick for me but I never felt exercising after work had the same benefit.
Chris, Reading, UK

If you can get the right combination of medicines and a good doctor, then you don't have to suffer from the misery of attacks Liz Evans, Pittsburgh, USA

I've had asthma and severe allergies for 50 years. I was never able to really exercise until three years ago when I added an effective allergy medicine to my asthma medicines. I can now run and not be out of breath or wheezing. Living in this country is hell - I just had to fight the insurance company to get coverage of this prescription allergy medication - the company, ever profit driven, said the over the counter drugs would work just as well. Scientific studies [all European of course] prove that this allergy medicine helps asthma patients not be so dependent on their "rescue" inhaler and improves their quality of life. I intend to compete in a 5K later this month. If you can get the right combination of medicines and a good doctor, then you don't have to suffer from the misery of attacks.
Liz Evans, Pittsburgh, USA

I moved from Edinburgh to London and started working for a firm with poor air conditioning in an office where I was surrounded by heavy smokers. I got asthma. Then I moved to another firm where there was a smoking ban. The asthma went away. I've always been pretty active, although getting asthma slowed me down. The solution is clear - ban smoking. And any asthmatic who smokes has a screw loose and is not deserving of sympathy.
Mike Woof, London, UK

More and more people are getting Asthma. Given that our genes can't evolve as fast as asthma is increasing there must be an environmental reason. So most peoples' asthma is preventable. My guess is it is the chemicals we use. Some people seem addicted to chemical use from bleach to air-fresheners. The air-fresheners are particularly scary; some people even have them in their cars - why? I don't, not necessary and it is storing up trouble for the future.
Roger, UK

I was diagnosed with asthma seven years ago. It took a while, but it's under control. I rarely use my inhaler, except when I've engaged in heavy exercise or if it's humid and there's a lot of smog in the air. I'm certainly not looking forward to a very hot summer!
John, Toronto, Canada

I saw a homoeopathist, who cured me in 2 visits Sue, UK

I was diagnosed with asthma aged 23 whilst living in Canada during a particularly cold winter. It got progressively worse until, aged 40, I saw a homoeopathist, who cured me in 2 visits. I have not taken medication now for 7 years and am fit as a flea.
Sue, UK

I've had asthma my whole life (I'm 22) and the only time it stops me doing anything is when I'm ill when I am more prone to chest infections. The only thing that bugs me is that my life saving asthma medication is not free whereas life saving diabetic medication (for example) is.
Lianne, Manchester

I have been an asthma sufferer since I was 6 years old. I am now 49. I take my prescribed inhalers regularly and live a full and active life - fuller and more active in fact than most "healthy" people half my age. Asthma has never stopped me doing anything that I have wanted to do and the symptoms seem to be diminishing. I never have an attack. I object to NICE insisting that every asthma sufferer should attend an asthma clinic and undergo annual tests. Quite simply when you have lived with asthma for forty three years you do not need the likes of NICE telling you what to do!
Jay, Manchester

I suffer from allergic asthma, which is also brought on by exercise. I used to have a passion for going out with friends, socialising and having a dance at a club. However, due to the smokers in bars, pubs and clubs, I no longer go out with friends to those places. It's not nearly as much fun. I am awaiting a nationwide smoking ban with glee as it will mean a return to the places and the fun I used to have!
Rachel, Reading, Berks, UK

Something so simple as being taught to use your inhaler properly could have prevented years of misery Janette, Staffordshire

My mom suffers from bronchial asthma which she didn't have until she turned 40 (she's 62 now). She was sent to an asthma clinic last year and was taught how to use her inhaler properly. She hasn't used her Ventolin since - I think its disgusting that she's suffered for all that time, been in hospital when something so simple as being taught to use your inhaler properly could have prevented years of misery, because that's what it is misery!!
Janette, Staffordshire

I am asthmatic, and have been for over 25 years. I could not run or jog without needing my inhaler or collapsing in a wheezing heap, but I can swim non-stop for an hour with no affect on my breathing. It's all about finding the right medication and exercise regime that works for you and being aware of the early signs. My asthma doesn't stop me enjoying life!
Lorraine Patterson, Camberley, UK

I smoke and I have asthma, but ever since I started smoking, my asthma attacks have been reduced greatly, and in the past few years I didn't have any attacks, where as when I was a non smoker I had more frequent attacks. It may sound weird but its true.
Syed F Imtiaz, Toronto, Canada

Every time I see my doctor, he tells me I have asthma, even if it is a bowel issue. I suspect that it is being used as a cure all attitudes for many illnesses that doctors do not understand. We've really come on haven't we?
Tony, Welling Kent

Yesterday I had lunch in the garden of a pub - in the open air. When I lit a cigar a man some twelve feet away asked me not to "because it affects his asthma and is bad for me too". I had never before known that there is a correlation between asthma, hypochondria, and nanny-mindedness. Of course I enjoyed my cigar!
Andrew, London

A lot of people sneer at steroids but they really have changed my life Rob Smith, London, UK

From these comments it's still clear that many people have a derogatory opinion of people who use medication to treat their asthma. There are different degrees of asthma - I'm seeing many people diagnosed with it where the symptoms are very mild - these people probably wouldn't have been diagnosed at all until recently, and I suspect a change in lifestyle such as extra exercise is sufficient treatment in many cases. I've suffered since a child, and have always led a healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise. However it's only in the last 10 years with correct treatment using regular steroid inhalers that have enabled me to be truly under control of the condition. A lot of people sneer at steroids but they really have changed my life and I barely have to touch the salbutamol reliever these days.
Rob Smith, London, UK

I have suffered from several allergies since I was about nine years old, and started having mild asthma attacks as a side effect after puberty. Taking regular exercise helps me to keep fit. I'm all right as long as I stay away from cats, certain kinds of mildew and above all cigarette smoke. I stay away from smokers as much as possible and I don't allow smoking in my own house. Last year, the Dutch government passed a new law which prohibits smoking in the workplace, which is a huge relief for many asthmatics! America has set a good example in this respect.
Edith, Holland

I have an allergic form of asthma - some years it doesn't hit me, others it gets me for a day or two (usually in August), but occasionally, (as last year) I have a miserable August with it. The problem is, that my GP's don't understand that I haven't got it permanently, and they try and treat it if I am normally asthmatic. I went to my GP, simply to ask if it was OK to use an inhaler more often than it says on the pack, and he ended up prescribing me all sorts of stuff, - despite my explanations (I didn't want to protest too much, or he might have thought I was ignoring medical advice) - when all I needed was temporary relief. I guess no two people have the same form of asthma, and so the treatment should be designed for the individual.
PJ, W. Yorks, UK

My staff have enormous difficulty in getting many of our asthmatic patients to come for check-ups Dr J, West Yorks UK

I am both a sufferer, fortunately fairly mild now, and a GP. I have to say that the results of this survey bear little relation to what I see, though I don't deny that there are many severely affected asthmatics. Firstly, a death every hour equates to less than 10,000 a year - too many, but several thousand people a year are killed on Britain's roads alone, and many diseases kill far more people. Secondly, my members of staff have enormous difficulty in getting many of our asthmatic patients to come for check-ups, even when it is clear that they are not using their medication appropriately. We have even considered refusing to prescribe inhalers until some patients come for a review, and even those who do come go straight back to their old habits very quickly. It is hard to equate such reluctance with the degree if symptoms being reported. As for exercise, it is a case of "No Pain, no Gain". I used my asthma for years as a kid to get out of exercise, but I knew even then that it was usually an excuse and no more.
Dr J, West Yorks UK

I suffer from allergic asthma. Cats and dogs set it off within 20 minutes of contact. Although I'm classed as middle income I can't always afford the £14 for the inhaler prescriptions. I think asthma medicines should be free to all asthma sufferers just as methadone is free to drug addicts. Why should I pay for a medicine that keeps me alive, I don't do drugs or smoke or drink?
William, Darwen, UK

I suffer from asthma, which is worsened by hay fever at this time of year. Exercising has amazing benefits, and I've found that keeping up a regular exercise routine throughout the year has reduced my symptoms dramatically. The only alteration I make to my exercising in the hay fever season is to head inside to the nicely air conditioned gym away from the horrid pollen!
Emma, Bath, UK

With a healthy life style and right treatment, asthma can be kept under control. A friend of mine has asthma, but I never knew until she told me about it. We play basket ball and jog together all the time. It never slow her down. Even her doctor commended her for her active life style in a recent visit.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

I packed in smoking and started taking Chinese herbal potions and the results have been staggering Brian Sellars, Leeds

I have suffered from chronic asthma since childhood and made it worse through smoking fags and lack of exercise. I packed in smoking and started taking Chinese herbal potions and the results have been staggering. I am now in training for a marathon and expect to do it in 3 hours. The traditional steroids just made it worse.
Brian Sellars, Leeds

I suffer from chronic asthma and although it does cause great problems, I can still enjoy an active lifestyle. It is harder work (taking medication before, after and during exercise to make sure I am ok, and being aware of my breathing), there is no reason why I can't enjoy sports. If Paula Radcliffe can run marathons with an asthma pump clutched in her hand just in case, then I'm sure i can cope with the odd brisk walk!
Nicole Wilkes, London, UK

I have suffered from asthma all my life and it has never held me back. Although I have never been the "sporty" type, I held down a high-pressure job with considerable responsibility. The great work of the NHS in giving me the medications to manage my asthma means I live life to the full without any worries whatsoever.
Richard I Stone, Lowestoft, UK

I used to have severe asthma as a child but found that with a healthy lifestyle involving lots of running and working on my lung capacity I've never had a problem or attack since or even taken a puff from an inhaler in 15 years.
Martin, England

Many of the medications available to control asthma have left me feeling tired and drugged Jennifer, Netherlands, ex-UK

I have asthma that only developed when I was 18 and moved to London. Previously I had lived in a rural northern town, whereas a move to dirtier air and dirtier water set off what I had probably had all my life but never suffered from. Having asthma has been quite a problem at times, and I'm not even a chronic sufferer. Many of the medications available to control asthma have left me feeling tired and drugged, and each winter brings a new bout of bronchitis, each one worse than the last. I have recently started cycling to work but the problem for asthmatics is the phase in between starting an exercise program and reaping the benefits of the exercise, since the initial strain of being more active can be very de-motivating.
Jennifer, Netherlands, ex-UK

I have asthma but I feel like I can lead a normal life. I am also a runner and have run several half marathons. Since I have started running, I have had fewer problems. The biggest problem is the running itself, because I am not able to run without taking medication, most of the year, when the weather is too humid or during pollen season. Still, having to take relievers right before a run beats having to take them four times per day, which is the alternative for me.
Lucy, LA, USA

I first was diagnosed with asthma at 32. I am now 50. Gentle exercise is ok as long as I take it easy. The most important thing is monitoring by the GP/practice nurse and this is done yearly.
Amanda Nottingham

I not suffer from asthma but I have seen from the media that the number of cases is going up. Could this be due to the amount of cleaning products we have in our houses these day and air fresheners?
B, Dartford, Kent

On paper I am asthmatic. My mother never let me use an inhaler as she said once you get attached to medicine you always need it. So instead she rubbed olive oil on my chest every night, I am now asthma free and haven't had asthma for several years.
Rizwan Saleem, UK

Both my dad and I suffer from asthma (although his condition is much more serious than mine) and we both find that cardio exercise helps a great deal. I get much fewer attacks and feel my breathing is better when I exercise regularly (even mild exercise like walking). Obviously people with severe asthma may need supervision to start exercising but it may be an idea to try to get people to get into exercise programmes as part of a treatment. Also in some cases, the asthma is related to a weight problem so surely exercise could go towards helping that too.
Anonymous, UK