Severe asthma is different for each child, therefore, we take a personalized and comprehensive approach with each patient and family to identify their child’s asthma triggers, develop a treatment plan, and provide emotional and educational support to ensure the best chance of success. An evaluation in the Severe Asthma Program typically takes one to three visits.
Severe asthma evaluation
On the first visit, your child will meet with a pulmonologist and an allergist, a nurse educator, and a social worker. Each member of the team will learn about your child’s experience with asthma and the doctors will examine your child.
Testing for severe asthma
Your child may receive these or other procedures to evaluate your child’s airways, lung function, immune system, and sinuses:
Asthma medication review
We will review the asthma medications your child is taking and will ask questions to understand the effects they are having on your child. We will also ask questions about inhaler use and techniques, and any barriers to taking medications. We will partner with your pharmacy, and sometimes the school nurse, to ensure your child receives the appropriate therapies.
Results review and treatment plan
The doctors will then discuss any available results with you. They will decide if further testing is needed and together they will work with you to establish the best asthma treatment plan for your child, including medications, environmental changes, and education. Subsequent visits are an opportunity to discuss how your child is doing on the recommended treatment plan, any obstacles to the treatment plan, any other tests that might be needed, or any results that might be available.
