i had asthma since i was 17. never had to go to the hospital. i was always treated by family doc's who just gave me an albuterol inhaler and said use this when you need it. now in my 40's i have unresponsive asthma/copd(same thing) i take heavy flovent, servent and combivent. doctors are hoping with medication to prevent further lung decline. steroids were tried,, but did not improve lung campacity at all. the thinking is from the under treated asthma i have too much scaring in my lungs. I NEVER SMOKED A DAY IN MY LIFE.