I was staying at a hotel and didn't think twice about walking through a crowd of smokers.  By the time I reached the end of the sidewalk and went to draw a breath of fresh air, I couldn't breathe.  After a full minute of struggling to take a breath, I realized I was in trouble.  It was a full two days later before I realized how close to death I had come.  That trip to the hospital wasn't my first.  To say my asthma was out of control is an understatement.  And, with multiple allergies, it looked like my asthma was going to stay out of control.  In fact,in 2000, I  fully believed asthma was going to be my cause of death.  Thank goodness, my doctor didn't believe it.  The first tool I was given is a peak flow meter.  A peak flow meter is an inexpensive and easy way to tell if your asthma is in control.  Next, I got allergy tests and my doctor gave me allergy medicines because people with asthma tend to suffer from multiple allergies.  Most importantly, I learned to take my medications on time, every time and to carry my inhaler with me, always.  I didn't have it with me at the hotel that day and I should have.  For me, one eye opening experience helped me make the changes I needed to make to get and stay in control of my asthma symptoms.  I haven't been back to the hospital in over six years and that alone is a miracle!  After years of suffering, I can finally say, I control my asthma and it does not control me.  If your asthma isn't in control, a talk with your doctor is long past due.  Asthma is completely controllable.  I am living proof!