I had asthma as a child, and it went away and left me with seasonal allergies. When I turned 40, my asthma resurfaced. I have been hospitalized twice. The first time I also had pneumonia and was in the hospital for 12 days, the second time for three days. I used to see a pulmonologist, but now I just see my internist. I haven't had a pulmonary function test in about six to seven years. How often should I have one? I can tell that my breathing isn't as good as it used to be. Also, my dad has emphysema . Is there any chance that I could get it?

This may be allergic asthma, and it is imperative that you see an allergist who can use skin testing to evaluate your potential triggers, which you would then need to avoid. Spirometry, a painless test in which you breathe into a mouthpiece to measure air volume and flow rate within the lungs, is also necessary to assess your response to treatment and the status of your underlying lung function.

As for your risk of developing emphysema, it is extremely common in smokers but can also develop in nonsmokers and asthmatics. A chest x-ray is definitely warranted.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Asthma Center.