I have non allergic rhinutis, which means I'm not allergic to proteins (pollens, cats, etc) but react to things in the environment, air pollution, extremes in temps, humidity, perfumes etc. My type of asthma goes along with this so I often don't know what will set me off. I also have exercise induced asthma. All my life whenever I exerted myself I'd end up gasping for air. Thinking I was undertrained I worked harder but didn't get better.

It wasn't until I moved to Colorado and have a asthma and allergy doc that has educated me about asthma do I feel I'm in control.

For me, exercise does not improve my symptoms, especially EIA. Advair helps to keep me under control. I can get by with the 150/50 dose in the winter but have to increase to 250/50 in summer. My lung function has improved dramatically since I've been on Advair. No other health issues with it.

I'm constantly learning about the "ins and outs" of asthma and how to keep it under control.

You sound alot like me when I had to be the "1st up the hill". I can now climb without the gasping for air but I now relax, take my time and breath easily when I climb.