Bronchodilator inhalers had a bad reputation some years ago because they over-stimulated the heart. Modern inhalers affect the heart less and so are safer. Any asthmatic should be encouraged to participate in sports. They can prevent exercise induced asthma by having a dose of bronchodilator before they start exercising. They should carry their inhalers with them all the time.
Cigarette smoke can start an asthma attack as well as damage the airways.
Parents can also harm their children if they smoke when the children are around. If you smoke, quit for the sake of the children's health as well as your own. Women with asthma can have a normal pregnancy and labour like non-asthmatic women if their asthma is controlled. The effect of pregnancy on asthma is uncertain. Studies show that in one third of pregnant women, their asthma remains unchanged, one third becomes less severe and one third becomes worse.