questions from a newbie

Hi there my new friends.I have been diagnosed with Asthma today.I am 49 yrs old and this is illness is one that has never crossed my mind.I did spend about 3 hrs doing all these tests but am still clueless.I was given a Ventolin inhaler to use every 4 hrs.Can someone please tell me where to start reading or can give me a crash course on some of the things I need to know.I dont think I have ever had an attack but did breathe better after using the inhaler during testing.
I apologize for the long post but where do I begin?I do thank you all in advance.

[Tammy2009]

Below are a couple of good website with lots of basic asthma information.  Give them a read and if there is anything that doesn't make sense, let us know!  Attacks don't have to be quick, life-threatening things you think of when asthma comes to mind.  My "attack" are weeks on end where I'm tired, feel horrible and have trouble breathing.

http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme_e.php

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Asthma/Asthma_WhatIs.html

http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma/article.htm

http://aaia.ca/en/aboutAsthma.htm

[Loretta1960]

Hi, I've had asthma most of my life (I'm now 49) and have also been given Ventolin for relief. Personally I find using preventatives such as Seretide, Flixitide better as they prevent rather than treat the condition when it happens. I also agree with the other person who answered..  Asthma doesn't always attack quickly. It can slowly creep up on you and you find you have diminished lung capacity. It's not something to treat lightly. See your doctor for a preventative if the Asthma persists. Loretta

[Ryan_G145]

Asthma is a curable disease. But should always be prevented. Because it can attack any time and anywhere. I of my friend has an asthmatic attack i was very scared but then helped him with the inhaler. Asthmatic patients should always visit the doctor to cure this disease. Thank you. :)

Ryan G,
eczema treatments, multiple myeloma

[toolmaker]

Thank you for your comments.1 more question though,This inhaler seems to make me hoarse is this normal or am I doing something wrong?