You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with asthma. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Tips for Getting Information

Here are some tips that will make it simpler for you to talk to your doctor:

• Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
• Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
• Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
• Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.
• Think about keeping a diary of your symptoms, triggers, and a list of your medicines. Share this with your doctor at every visit.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Your Risk of Getting Asthma

• Does my health history, family background, or lifestyle put me at risk?
• How can I lower my risk of asthma or asthma attacks?

About Treatment Options

• What is the best treatment for me?
• What should I do if I have an asthma attack?
• What medicines are best for me?
  • What are the benefits/side effects?
  • Will these medicines interact with the other medicines, over the counter products, dietary, or herbal supplements that I already take?
  • What is the best way to take them?
  • How do I use these medicines correctly?
• Are there any alternative or complementary therapies that will help me?

About Lifestyle Changes

• Is it safe to exercise?
• Are there some exercises that are safer than others?
• Are there any foods that I should not eat?
• Can I drink alcohol?
• I'm a smoker. Where can I find help for quitting?
• Do I need to avoid pregnancy because of my medicines?
• If I become pregnant, should I stop or limit my medicine. Also, are there ways I can lower my child's risk of asthma?
• Is there something in my home or work that may cause asthma? If so, what can I do about it?
• How can I change my environment to reduce asthma attacks?

About Outlook

• How will asthma affect my life?
• Will I have asthma all my life?
• Will my asthma get better or worse?
• Will asthma shorten my life?
• Will my children have asthma?