According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 2 in 25 (26 million) Americans have asthma symptoms. This number includes both adults and children.

In fact, asthma is one of the most common diseases to complicate a pregnancy. This often occurs if the pregnant person's asthma isn't under good control. But sometimes, even pregnant people with well-controlled asthma can have symptoms get worse during pregnancy. Pregnant people should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their asthma.

But most people can lead healthy lives if they manage their asthma and control it well.

Tobacco smoke from pipes, cigars, and cigarettes can trigger an asthma attack. Tobacco smoke can also make an asthma attack worse. If you have asthma, people should not smoke near you. They should also not smoke in your house or car. Other types of smoke that can make asthma symptoms worse include smoke from fireplaces and outdoor smog. E-cigarettes are also linked to increased risk of asthma symptoms and asthma attacks.

An uncontrolled asthma attack can lead to a stay in the hospital and even death. Long-term (chronic), uncontrolled asthma affects quality of life in a bad way. If you have uncontrolled asthma, you may become less active.

A peak flow meter is a small device that measures airflow out of the lungs. The meter can be used to measure lung function at home, school, or work.

Many asthma attacks are triggered by a combination of things. These include:

• Pollen
• Dust
• Air pollution
• Smoke from tobacco and fireplaces
• Foods
• Mold
• Fragrances
• Respiratory viruses like the common cold or flu
• Pets