Asthma is definitely something to take seriously.  I was diagnosed at 17 but didn't have any real problems until I hit 19 or 20.  Albuterol/Proventil became my friend and I carried those inhalers with me everywhere.  Although, at that time, my asthma would only flare up when I would get around long haired cats or if I was sick.  The last 3 years have not been fun, I have had several severe attacks which I think I would have been better off dying.  It gets old to call out of work because you were up all night trying to breathe, or just trying to function normally.