Start an ongoing dialog
As a caregiver of an asthmatic child, one of the most important things you can do is talk to his or her health care team. Staying involved and working closely with the doctor will ensure that you can help your child take care of his or her asthma, and make sure that the treatment is tailored to fit his or her needs.
Health care involves a whole team
Always remember that, in addition to your child’s doctor, there are many other people who can help. They include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, nurses, medical assistants, and even your pharmacist.
Take every opportunity you can to communicate with each member of the health care team. They are all there to help you provide the right treatment for your child.
Make the most of your doctor visits
It's not unusual to feel rushed when you take your child to see the doctor. You might feel overwhelmed or intimidated or find unfamiliar medical terms confusing. You may even be distracted by your active and noisy child. All of these challenges can get in the way of communicating with the doctor during your visit.
To make sure you get the most out of each visit, try using the Doctor Visit Checklist. It will help make sure that all your questions and concerns about your child’s treatment are addressed.
Tips for talking to your doctor
It's up to you to make the most of the time you have with the doctor. Here are some general tips for communicating with your child's doctor:
- Prepare for each visit ahead of time. Know what your concerns are, and be prepared to discuss them. Write down your questions before your appointment
- Ask questions until you are sure you understand the answers. Write down the answers and any instructions the doctor gives you
- Provide feedback to the doctor. He or she relies on you to report what is and isn't working with your child's breathing treatment plan. It may help you to complete the Asthma Symptom Tracker to identify key areas that may need review
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