I recently developed asthma in my 40s and am looking for advice on how to manage the condition. Can you help?

First, you need to find a good pulmonologist. These doctors specialize in respiratory diseases. Ask your general physician for a referral and ask about the pulmonologists based at hospitals near where you live. Also read up on the condition to learn more about adult-onset asthma symptoms, environmental triggers, and treatments so you'll be ready for some of the questions you'll receive at the office visit. In addition, prepare some questions of your own to ensure you're receiving the best medical advice and care possible. And don't forget to ask the specialist about any lifestyle changes you may or may not need to make and how and when you should take medication to help prevent asthma attacks.

Some helpful resources to utilize for research before your doctor's appointment include: National Jewish Health (www.nationaljewish.org), a hospital that specializes in respiratory ailments; the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org); the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (www.aaaai.org); and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (www.nhlbi.nih.gov).

We hope our advice and the informational sources we provided here help you to breathe a little easier from now on.