According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of asthma sufferers has grown from 6.7 million in 1980 to 20.5 million in 2001, making asthma one of the leading public health problems in the United States today. Asthma does not have a cure, but you have highly effective ways to control symptoms. If you've recently been diagnosed with asthma, here are some questions you may want to ask your physician. Choose the five most important questions. Your doctor might not have time to answer all your questions. Ask for any brochures that your doctor may have.

• What triggers an asthma attack?
• What steps can I take to prevent an asthma attack?
• Will I have asthma for the rest of my life?
• Will my asthma worsen as I get older?
• What are my chances of dying from an asthma attack?
• What is the best therapy available to manage asthma?
• Will I need respiratory therapy?
• Will I need to carry my asthma inhaler all the time?
• Are there any adverse side effects to the asthma medication I'll be taking?
• Will I need to take medication every day or just when I experience asthma symptoms?
• Are there any prescription or nonprescription drugs I should avoid to prevent an adverse reaction with my asthma medication?
• Is there a drug I can take to prevent an asthma attack if I know I'll be coming into contact with one of my asthma triggers?
• Is it possible to manage asthma without medication?
• How long does a typical asthma attack last if it goes untreated?
• Will I have to get rid of my pets?
• Will I need to avoid high elevations?
• Will I need to change my diet?
• Will losing weight reduce my risk of having an asthma attack?
• Are the nonprescription asthma inhalers any good?
• Are there changes I can make in my home or work environments to reduce my risk of having an asthma attack?
• Are there any breathing or relaxation exercises I can do to help me cope with asthma?
• Will I need to limit my physical activities or avoid physical exertion now that I have asthma?
• What should I do if I have an asthma attack but don't have my medication with me?
• Should I avoid secondhand smoke?
• Should I avoid certain foods or alcoholic beverages?
• Can you provide resources to educate my family and friends about asthma?
• Can you refer me to an asthma support group in my area?
• Are researchers likely to find a cure for asthma in the not-too-distant future?

External Sources American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Position statement: Anaphylaxis in schools and other child-care settings. . Accessed February 12, 2009 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Diagnosing birth defects. . Accessed May 11, 2009