Asthma is the most common chronic childhood illness. It is often referred to by different names or descriptions, such as “reactive airways disease” or “wheezing associated with respiratory illness.” The treatment of asthma is drastically different today than it was ten or twenty years ago. New medicines and approaches to management have made asthma an illness that can be controlled with proper care. Children with asthma should lead normal lives, sleep well at night without coughing, exercise, and participate in sports freely. They should not need to frequent the emergency room or hospital if their asthma is well controlled.
Understanding asthma is the secret to controlling it. Raleigh Pediatrics offers individual asthma education sessions for our patients and families. Our certified asthma educator, Deb Kirkland, R.N., can be reached at 919-872-0250, ext. 8337, for more information. Appointments may be scheduled at the front desk.
Each scheduled appointment includes a review of your child’s history and symptoms. Topics discussed include:
- What is Asthma?
- Warning Signs of Asthma
- Triggers and Environmental Control Measures
- Medications, Use and Side Effects
- Peak Flow Meters, Spacers and Nebulizers
After each session, our asthma education nurse will develop a management care plan specific to your child. Your completion of the education and your child’s asthma management plan will be documented in your child’s chart, making it easier for parents, physicians and nurses to work together more effectively to stay abreast of your child’s care.
An asthma education session is one hour. The cost is usually covered by most insurance companies. Co-payments are the same as for an office visit. Several family members may attend, but please remember to only bring children five years or older. Parents of babies and toddlers are encouraged to come without their younger children.