Suggestions For Working With Your Doctor 

· If you have asthma, you need to have a regular doctor. 

· Form a partnership with your doctor to help you control asthma. 

· Visit your doctor twice a year for an asthma checkup even if there are no problems. 

· Be prepared for your visit with the doctor (eg. problems, questions).

· Tell the receptionist what you want when you book the appointment.

· Help your child talk to their doctor about their asthma and ask questions.    

What Should I Bring To An Appointment? 

Be prepared for your visit with the doctor.  Take the following with you: 

· asthma record or diary 

· asthma action plan 

· all medicines and inhaler devices (eg. spacers or chambers) 

· list of questions and concerns in order of importance  

What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor? 

Your doctor needs to know about: 

· any asthma symptoms, when they occurred and how bad they were 

· what you think caused asthma symptoms 

·  any new triggers

· any emergency or hospital visits for asthma 

· activities missed or limited by asthma 

· any asthma medicines used, when and how much 

· peak flow readings, if recorded  

· use of other medicines (eg. over-the-counter medicines) 

· use of other treatments such as, herbs or vitamins  

What Should I Expect From The Visit? 

Expect your doctor to: 

· listen to your concerns 

· answer your questions 

· review medicines and how to use them 

· explain any new medicine  

· make sure you have prescriptions 

· review and update an Asthma Action Plan

· review how to avoid asthma triggers

· refer you for asthma education if needed 

What Should My Doctor Expect From Me? 

Your doctor will expect you to: 

· follow the plan you make together to avoid triggers and use medicine  

· ask questions if you don’t understand  

· tell him/her if you have concerns about anything suggested 

· let him/her know if you have a problem paying for your medicine 

What Do I Need To Know? 

· how to contact your doctor between visits 

· how to get more medicine between visits 

· where to go for asthma education 

· when to return for a follow-up visit 

What Is Asthma Control? 

·  normal activity

·  normal sleep

·  daytime asthma symptoms no more than 3 times a week 

· reliever medicine used no more than 3 times a week for symptoms*

· no emergency visits for asthma

· no missed school/daycare for asthma