Ask you how you have been feeling - if you cough a lot or if you find it hard to breathe sometimes Ask you and your parents if other people in your family have asthma or allergies Listen to your lungs with a listening device called a stethoscope If you are 6 years or older, your doctor may send you for a breathing test Q. Because I have asthma, do I need to stop exercising and playing sports? A. If your asthma is kept under control, you should be able to run around just like everyone else.  If you do find it hard to breathe when you exercise, stop right away and take your "reliever" puffer (usually a blue puffer).  Only start again if your breathing is back to normal.  If your asthma is not under control, you should not start any exercise. Q. Some people make fun of me because I have asthma.  What should I do? A. Unfortunately some people do not understand what asthma is.  All it means to have asthma is that you may need some medicines for it sometimes and at times it can be harder to breathe.  Explain to them that a lot of people have asthma, including top NHL players such as Gary Roberts and Olympic athletes.  They have to take medicine for it too. Q. I have asthma.  Why is it hard for me to breathe sometimes? A. Asthma affects the airways (air tubes) inside your lungs.  These airways bring oxygen to