The parents of 100 children with chronic asthma completed a standard questionnaire designed to determine the extent of deliberate addition and avoidance of items in their children's diets. Forty-seven percent of the parents had added or deleted substances from their child's diet because of the child's asthma or a combination of asthma and another condition. This was predominantly the avoidance of dairy products, additives and eggs. The basis of dietary decisions was said to be self engendered in the main, but the family circle and the media, were stated to be common sources of advance and influence. Professional advice in the form of dietetic and medical influence was minimal. This lack of professional influence may be a reflection upon the controversial status of diet and asthma. While this exists parents may try this dietary option in the hope of therapeutic success.