Marika Mizzi was four years old when she was diagnosed with asthma. At the time, her parents went into “panic mode”, and although she knows they did what they did with the best of intentions, she feels she lived a different life until she was 18.

“I always had a sick note for PE and while my cousins would be off cycling, I was never able to join in,” recalled Ms Mizzi.

Many years later, she not only went on her missed bike ride, but also completed the 2006 Lifecycle Challenge, Crossing The Arctic Circle, as well as conquering several other sporting challenges.

Speaking during a World Asthma Day conference earlier this week, Ms Mizzi, who is the President’s communications coordinator, emphasised that people suffering from the condition could live a normal life. She appealed to parents not to over-protect their children.

“When you understand and are aware of your condition, you can control it better,” she said, pointing out that she can now say her life is no different to anyone else’s.

Peter Micallef, the Parliamentary Assistant for Health, highlighted the importance of an educated population to maximise the benefit of health services. “People need to be empowered to understand how best to take their treatment,” he said.

During the event, organised by the hospital’s physiotherapy department, Dr Micallef said the department would be extending its service to asthma patients.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways of the lungs, which become inflamed and sensitive to allergens. When they react, the airways become narrower, delivering less air into the lungs, and causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathing trouble. These symptoms are more common early in the morning and at night.

An asthma attack happens when the symptoms are worse than usual and the airways become extremely narrow and are unable to deliver oxygen to vital organs. During an attack, one should offer the sufferer his or her inhaler and immediately call for help.