2001 Corolla LE Problems

Recently when when I first start up my car it will stall and almost die unless I hit the gas pedal. I first noticed this problem a year ago, but only when the AC was on, and it never did it when the AC was off.

It typically does this after the first few times I stop my car after starting it up. However, I have recently noticed that it is doing it more and more when I am stopped and try to accelerate. It will stall for a couple seconds then take off.

Is this a serious problem? and how do I go about finding out what is wrong?

Thanks.

It may be the Mass Airflow sensor, it seems the car is having a hard time ildeling could also be the idle air control solenoid

Is there any way to test this or am I going to have it take it in to have it looked at?

Also, about how much is this repair, and is it causing damage to the car if I keep driving with it like this?