I've had asthma since I was 2 -- exercise and allergy-induced asthma -- waaay before I was morbidly obese. I'm 25 now, and my asthma is controlled even though it is something I am told I will need to live with the rest of my life.
Keep in mind I'm not a doctor, but asthma is not something that should limit your life in any way. You should be able to be around all of the things that you are allergic to, and you should be able to exercise until something else in your body gives out before your lungs. That state of asthma is what most doctors I've seen refer to as 'controlled.'
If the states are binary, then yours is definitely uncontrolled. IMOHO I don't think you should modify your behavior at all (with respect to the asthma, at least): I think you should see a better doctor. You need to find the medicine that's right for you, as well as the right dosage. Taking shots of albuterol before working out can help, but I've been hospitalized dozens of times for asthma attacks (mostly related to illness or when I was little and said I took my medicine but didn't) and now I go mountain biking several times a week without having to prepare myself with a rescue inhaler. In fact, since I've had the surgery on 2/28/07 I haven't used my rescue inhaler once. Sure, I take puffers and pills morning and night but who cares if I can live my life the way I want!
I hope things work out for you. I know what it's like to feel like asthma limits your life. I was so afraid of playing soccer with my friends when I was little because I was worried I would have an attack and that the other boys would laugh at me... not a good way to live.
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