Asthma

David Beckham is one of the 5 million people in the UK that has asthma - and proof that the condition doesn't need to stop you having an active lifestyle.

Becks revealed he is asthmatic after being pictured using his inhaler during a football match. He's had asthma since he was a child, but he's never been pictured using his inhaler before.

And it doesn't seem to affect his game on the pitch!

Experts say that exercise is actually good for people who have their asthma under control.

Read on for more information on asthma, its symptoms and side effects.

goodtoknow says: More than 5 million people in the UK have asthma. At least 1 in 20 adults and 1 in 10 children have it although many children will out grow it. Asthma runs in families too. It affects the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. When they encounter a trigger such as dust, pollen, tobacco, pets or stress, the airways tighten and make it harder to breathe. Mucus, wheezing, breathlessness and coughing can result. Although not curable, asthma is very treatable, mostly by inhalers, which means you can usually lead a full, normal life.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of asthma from patient.co.uk, read on.

Asthma is a common condition that affects the airways. The typical symptoms are wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Asthma cannot be 'cured', but treatment usually works well to ease and prevent symptoms. Treatment is usually with inhalers.

This leaflet gives a general overview of asthma.