Hi /asthma. About two months ago I had something close to an asthma attack due to an allergic reaction to something (pending doctors appointment to find out what), probably cat/dust, in my house. I was given a salbutamol (Ventolin) inhaler and told I didn't have asthma, just an allergy. Anyway, I put off going to the doctor for about two months, using a pair of inhalers bought from ASDA in the meanwhile. They ran out y/day and I've been wheezy so went to the doctors and was diagnosed, pending an appointment (in late October!!) with the asthma GP.

Given a new Ventolin and a preventative inhaler in the meanwhile.

My questions:

1. Perhaps a stupid question, but how much of a part does smoking (passive too) have to play.

2. What is the effect on exercise? I use the gym but haven't been when I've been wheezy yet, instead putting it off (I use the Ventolin before working out).

3. Does the spiel the doctors give you about, after a few weeks of preventative inhaler use, the Ventolin not being needed.

Thanks all.