... remarkably easy to live with. I have had asthma since I can remember. In fact I think it deleoped when I was just a baby. Early on, there was little that the doctors could do other than give me cough medicine. Yeah, I know. However, when the Ventolin inhaler came along it was fantastic. My asthma is now controlled to such an extent that I hardly know I have it.

My main trigger for Asthma is animal fur, such as dogs and (in particular) cats. However, once this was established the rest was relatively easy. Just to let you know how easy, I have listed some of the things that don't present a problem:

• Stress. I run two successful business and have been self employed for the last 16 years. Never once have I had to take time off due to asthma.
• Physical activity. One of my businesses is a martial arts school. I started late with karate at the age of 29, but after four years of vigorous training I never once had to skip a class due to asthma (although I did use it as an excuse once or twice when I really couldn't be bothered to go. Sorry Sensei...).
• Smoking. Erm, yes, I know. If you have asthma why smoke? Der! But, it was a habit easily started in my youth and a lot more difficult to stop in my middle years.
• Cats and Dogs. Once the trigger was established I introduced myself to it and stuck at it. Yes, I was poorly, but only for a week or so. I stayed at friends that had a German Sheperd so there was little choice really. Now, I can visit my in-laws that have three dogs and (used to have) a cat. This no longer presents a problem.
• Weather. Cold weather does not give me any problems either. I ride a Triumph Daytona 900 motorcycle all year round, yes, that includes winter, and cover about 12,000 miles a year. With wind chill at motorway speeds, it gets pretty cold I can tell you...

So, in all, Asthma is something that can be lived with fairly easily. Just help you understand a little more about Asthma, asthma is...

Asthma is...

So, what is Asthma? Well, Asthma is a common disease and it affects approximately five million people in the UK. Asthma generally starts in childhood, as mine did, but it can happen for the first time at any age, even people in their 70s or 80s.


Asthma affects the airways, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive airways which become irritated in some situations. The airways become restricted and sometimes produce more mucus than usual. This makes it difficult to breathe.


Asthma is a disease that may get better or disappear completely during teenage years. But about one third of children with asthma will go on to have problems as an adult. Asthma can run in families, but many people with asthma do not have relatives with the condition.


Asthma is a disease that can’t be cured, but it can be controlled so that attacks can be prevented. Most people with asthma who receive proper treatment (and take it correctly) can lead normal lives. You do not have to lose time from school or work, and you can enjoy full involvement in sport and other activities.

So, now we know what it is, what's it like living with it? Asthma is...