Your Asthma Health Care Team

By Turner, Polly


Asthma causes the airways to become inflamed and easily irritated so that they react strongly to things to which you are allergic, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). When your airways react, they become narrower; less air reaches your lungs and breathing becomes difficult. Sometimes this reaction is life-threatening. Asthma can't be cured, but for most people, the symptoms can be controlled and they can live an active life. Good communication with your health care team becomes critical because managing and treating asthma is a life-long effort and can be a complex, ongoing challenge.

"The severity of asthma can vary widely from one day to the next," explains Stanley Goldstein, M.D., F.A.A.A.A.I., a pulmonary specialist in Rockville Centre, New York. "You may have multiple disease factors and depend on multiple medical devices, and have to keep adjusting your medications on a daily or hourly basis."

The team members

According to Dr. Goldstein, your asthma health care team is likely to include:

  • Your asthma care provider. Whether a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner, says Dr. Goldstein, "this person should be well-versed in asthma care and have a clear understanding of the National Institutes of Health treatment guidelines." He or she will diagnose your illness, prescribe treatments and work with you to set up a treatment plan to monitor your symptoms, prevent asthma attacks and treat attacks when they occur. Your provider will refer you to other professionals, as needed.


  • Your pharmacist. This person also can tell you how to use inhaler medicines, peak flow meters or other equipment, and explain what you need to know about your medications including how to take them and possible side effects.


  • Your family. Family members can support you in many ways—for example, by helping you avoid asthma triggers and reminding you to refill prescriptions. Someone close to you also should be trained to respond to a severe asthma attack.

The patient as communicator


"Communicating with everyone on your team is a necessity, and it's the central focus of your treatment," says Dr. Goldstein.

When communicating, be honest. Let other team members know about any questions, fears or worries you have related to your treatment. For example, are you concerned about medication side effects? Are you embarrassed that you still don't know how to measure your lung function with the peak flow meter? Are asthma symptoms keeping you from sleeping well at night, or causing you to miss school, work or other activities? Your openness will allow health care providers to adjust your treatment in the best ways possible.

Let your primary care provider act as "coach." Your primary doctor already knows your medical history and overall health. Let him or her know what any of the other team members advise or prescribe. In this way, one central person will be overseeing all your health-management details.

Do your homework
