The ABCs of Asthma Management

The ABCs of Asthma Management at the Riley Hospital for Children Asthma Care Center at Indiana University Health consists of three visits: Assessment, Basics and Beyond, and Control. Upon completion of the program, you and your child will have a good understanding of your child's condition and how to manage it, including treatment plans for daily asthma control, acute attacks, and long-term maintenance.

First Visit: Assessment

Visit one focuses on an assessment of the past and current status of your child's asthma. Prior to this visit, you and your child complete a medical history questionnaire and allergen exposure survey, which will be sent to your home once you schedule an appointment.

When you arrive for the first visit, the physician will review these materials and complete a comprehensive history and physical exam. Lung function testing is conducted on children to help measure the severity of the disease.

Highlights of the first visit with Riley Asthma Care Center at IU Health :

• Assessment of the severity of chronic asthma symptoms.
• Development of an individualized treatment plan for daily asthma control and acute or increased symptoms.
• Development of a plan to help reduce asthma triggers within your home, such as those caused by pets or other allergens.
• Instruction in the proper use of asthma medications (puffers), spacer devices, and when necessary, peak flow meters.

Second Visit: Basics and Beyond

Visit two consists of instruction of asthma medications. If needed, allergy skin testing may be done at this time.

At the second visit:

• A detailed review and discussion on the proper use of asthma medication, review of administration and potential side effects.
• Proper use of spacer devices and peak flow meters.
• Warning signs of acute asthma are discussed and a plan is developed for home treatment.

Third Visit: Control

Visit three focuses on controlling your child's current condition and planning for long-term management. A careful review of the patient's progress since starting the program is completed.

Special attention is given to:

• Symptoms that may indicate poor control of asthma:
  • Wheezing with exercise
  • Nighttime symptoms
  • Poor school performance
  • Limited participation in sports and other activities
• Continued concerns such as smoke exposure or environmental allergens.
• Reinforcement of an individualized asthma management plan for acute and chronic symptoms.
• Plans for follow-up asthma care and evaluation.

Moving Past the ABC's: Special Asthma Programs

In addition to our general program, the Riley Asthma Care Center at IU Health offers specialized clinics for patients requiring multidisciplinary assessment and management, such as:

• High-risk Asthmatics
• Overweight Asthmatics