A novel basic allergen/particulate data collection device and a novel multi-function personal air quality management device are disclosed. Both devices include sensor sub-assembly detecting and reporting on allergen/particulate data (preferably, for allergen/particulate with sizes smaller than 5 micron) for an indoor location (where the asthma patient is situated). Both devices are communication enabled to allow the allergen/particulate data to be provided to an air/asthma advice server, to generate air/asthma advice for an asthma patient, taking into consideration the allergen/particulate data as well as air quality data for a surrounding outdoor area of the indoor location. In one embodiment of the basic device, the communication interface is tailored for "harsh environment" local area networking. When combined with its streamlined functionality, the device is particularly suitable (especially in terms of economics) for multiple deployment (along with a "base station"), such as in the case of an home application. In one embodiment of the multi-function device, the communication interface is tailored for "controlled environment" wide area networking. When combined with its rich functionality, the device is particularly suitable for standalone deployment, such as in the case of a professional application. Various alterations and modifications of different embodiments are also disclosed.