History should include Questions about frequency and duration of attacks and changes over time Triggering factors if identifiable Relation to seasonal or situational settings (eg, predictably occurring during pollen seasons; after exposure to animals, hay, or dust; during exercise; or in particular places) Family history of similar symptoms or of atopic disorders Responses to attempted treatments Age at onset may be important in asthma because childhood asthma is likely to be atopic and asthma beginning after age 30 is not.