Although asthma can be a serious disease, doctors know it’s manageable.

MSU’s health promotion program, Healthy U, sponsored Breathing For Life on Friday at the Union. The free program for students and staff featured speakers on asthma care and education.

“I think each person took at least one piece of information away with them they can use to manage their disease,” said Linda Newbury, Healthy U health education coordinator. “The speakers were able to cover concerns of various age groups and specific needs of individuals.”

David Young, assistant professor of internal medicine, spoke to more than 50 participants on asthma attacks due to physical activity.

“If we really understood what happens with asthma we’d have a cure for it,” Young said. “We have great medications and information. Despite that, we still have people suffering.”

The most common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and decreased endurance.

Young said most people don’t need a daily medication, but treatment of the disease does include prescription drugs. Inhalers for emergencies and prevention are also common treatments.

Kinesiology junior Liz Mieras said she takes a daily medication and uses inhalers. She said she wanted more information on how exercising affects her asthma.

“All the information was beneficial,” she said. “I didn’t really learn anything I didn’t know before, but there are many opinions and it’s good to get more.”

Breathing For Life was also sponsored by Olin Health Center, the American Lung Association and other organizations that had exhibitor booths. Participants could pick up information from various drug companies and get demonstrations on how to use devices such as inhalers.

Steve Springer, capital region manager of the American Lung Association, said he was impressed with the turnout for the event despite Friday’s rain.

“For people who have been recently diagnosed, this was an opportunity to learn new theories that can help them as they try to control their asthma,” he said. “And for people who have been living with it for some time now, it was a refresher course reminding them how important it is to have effective treatment.”

Edna Rogers-Johnson, a higher education administration graduate student, said she was recently diagnosed with asthma and was told about the program by her Olin doctor.

Rogers-Johnson said along with daily medication, she was advised to go on a special diet.

“The speakers were extremely informative,” she said. “They even mentioned the diet I am on. They said some doctors feel it is out of date.

This gives me the knowledge to go to my doctor and ask them if this is the best plan for me and possibly get better treatment.”