Im 52 and have always been athletic and in good shape.  Recently, I started to develop asthma symptoms that my doctor says could be related to exercise or allergies.  She prescribed a steroidal inhaler and a bronchial dilator, neither of which I really like to use.  Do you have any other more natural suggestions that I could try instead?
Hello asthma is exercise induced please stop or reduce the intensity of exercise and consult a CARDIOLOGIST because usually exertion induced asthma is known as CARDIAC ASTHMA. But if it is allergic need not worry, in this type of asthma patient usually develop wheezing, sneezing, whistling sound during inhalation or exhalation (usually this is due to bronchoconstriction and when such type of patient visit I advise my patient to take montelukast + albuterol tablet one or two in day and patient respond this treatment very well. Also avoid fine dusting powder, mold, pollen, pests (cockroaches) , sudden change of temperature, fodder, fumes, smoking spray as these are predisposing factor of allergic asthma. Hot coffee and steam inhalation also provide relief. Respiratory naturally help in allergic asthma (until and unless not indicated). Hope this will help you.