In reply to danieleaston:
I would have expected your trip to have asked for info about existing medical conditions and so your guide should have outlined what he considered possible (or what risk he was not prepared to take). If not, you shpuld have mentioned the asthma yourselves before contracting to go.
Personally, I suffered more from asthma before I relocated to the mountains. Indeed people come to live in Briancon to be free from the condition. However, it does flare up from time to time, due to pollen season or very cold air and exertion. I love ski touring, and asthma doesn't stop me, but I am aware that sometimes, on a day when I struggle, I could slow others. This is rare, but I do sometimes have to stop or turn back independently. Presumably, if you are hiring a guide, you do not have the capacity to make that choice. I accept that anybody can have an 'off day' or feel ill and compromise a group goal, but having an existing condition is something that you should make others aware of so that they can accept the risk or not.
Don't miss out on all the wonderful experiences that the mountains offer, but do accept that asthma needs to be managed. Being 'determined' which is an admirable quality in itself and pushing on, could sometimes be your worst enemy. I have fortunately never had a life threatening attack, but have been in a position of responsibility for people that have (thankfully in an urban setting). I understand your frustration , but you pay a guide to make decisions not just get you to a summit.