Living With Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in children. Many children with asthma miss out on school, sports and other activities. However, it is the goal of asthma management that these children can do anything that a child without asthma can. It is important for family members to learn how to identify and avoid asthma and allergen triggers; recognize and prevent asthma attacks, understand medications, and help manage asthma at home to assure the optimal health for your child and prevent ER visits and hospitalizations.

JMA's Asthma Program

At Jeffers, Mann & Artman Pediatrics we have an Asthma Program specially designed to follow nationally recognized guidelines to help children have well-controlled asthma.  We offer asthma visits for all patients with a diagnosis of asthma and specialized asthma clinic appointments to patients 6 and up that are on a daily medication for asthma. During these specialized asthma clinic visits, a dedicated and highly trained nurse who specializes in asthma will work together with you and your provider to develop a customized plan to help your child control their asthma symptoms.

Involve the Whole Family

It's important for family members to learn these four things:

1. Identify and avoid asthma and allergen triggers.
2. Recognize and prevent asthma attacks.
3. Understand medications and how to use them.
4. Help manage asthma at home.

JMA's Recommendations

If your child has been identified as asthmatic, we recommend the following:

1. Comprehensive asthma evaluations at least every 6-12 months. These visits can be combined with an annual Wellness check.
2. Spirometry can be useful in the diagnosis and management of asthma and is also recommended every 6 months for children 6 and up on a daily medication for asthma
3. Yearly flu vaccines.
4. Evaluation of asthma triggers, such as allergies, infections, cigarette/tobacco smoke exposure, changes in weather and exercise.
5. Asthma education regarding appropriate medications and equipment.

Asthma Control Test (ACT)

Prior to each 6 month visit, please complete the Action Control Test (ACT) for your child. To fill out or print a copy of the ACT, please log on to the CHADIS website and click on "Asthma Visit". For a Spanish copy, choose the appropriate tab at the top right of the page.

Educational Resources

See the following educational handouts for more information on asthma.

• What is Asthma? - Triggers and treatment for the most common chronic childhood disease
• Your Asthma Program - We will work with you and your family to create a program to control your child’s asthma
• Stop Smoking - Resources and Support Groups

Educational Videos

Using an Inhaler with Spacer and Facemask

Using an Inhaler with Spacer and Mouthpiece

Cleaning an Inhaler and Spacer