If you have asthma , one of the most important relationships is the one you will develop with your doctor or with your asthma nurse.
If you are caring for someone with asthma, you will find information on this page on how to communicate with the healthcare provider and what to look for at each visit.
Consulting a healthcare provider regularly is an important part of asthma care.
If your asthma is under control, you should have a follow-up visit every six months, whereas if your asthma is uncontrolled or if you have severe persistent asthma, you should see your healthcare provider more often.
During check-ups, your healthcare provider may assess your level of symptom control, any asthma attacks, your adherence and inhaler technique with your asthma medications, and any side effects, and together, you will work to adjust your treatment if needed, and to develop or review the written action plan to show you how to identify and respond to worsening asthma.
Share your thoughts
The consultation is the opportunity to establish a partnership with your healthcare providers and get the most of their experience to help you. Do not be shy to discuss how asthma impacts your daily life and be ready and confident to share your concerns, fears and expectations about your asthma.
If you are planning a pregnancy, would like to practice a new sport, if you are thinking of adopting a pet or planning a trip, you may have many questions and doubts on whether any of these activities may worsen your asthma. The healthcare provider will provide counselling, lifestyle advice or refer you to someone else that might help you better.
If you keep a daily asthma journal, use it to write down all your questions, concerns, the circumstances in which your asthma is getting worse and discuss these matters with your healthcare provider at each visit
It is also very important that you discuss your inhaler technique and adherence to medication with your healthcare provider.
Discuss your asthma treatment
The ultimate goals of asthma treatment are to keep symptoms under control, to prevent asthma attacks, and to minimise the risk of side effects. The first step is to agree with your healthcare provider about the treatment that best meets your expectations and needs.
The second step is to follow the treatment as planned. Many barriers can interfere with adherence, identifying them may help you reach your goal.
Common barriers to adherence to asthma medication
Barriers to adherence | Tips to improve adherence |
Difficulties using inhaler (e.g., arthritis, or prescribed multiple different inhalers)
| Review the technique with your healthcare provider. If you are prescribed more than one inhaler for regular daily use, ask if there is a combination inhaler that will have the same actions |
Burdensome regimens (e.g., medications that need to be taken more than once daily) | Review the plan with your healthcare provider |
It is not clear when and how you must take your asthma medicines | The pharmacist can help you with the instructions Ask for home visits by asthma nurse or pharmacist, especially if you if you have difficulties in mobility |
Forgetfulness, absence of a daily routine | Keep the inhaler in a place where you will remember it Use electronic reminders to use your inhaler |
Perception that treatment is not necessary, particularly if asthma is well-controlled | Controller treatment is needed to keep symptoms under control and avoid asthma attacks. Discuss with your doctor if you can step-down the therapy |
Concerns about side effects (real or perceived) | Establish a good relationship with your doctor and share decisions on treatment Reach out to patients’ groups |
Inappropriate expectations | |
Stigmatisation, cultural or religious issues | |
Cost of treatment | Check cost coverage/reimbursement opportunities with your health insurance or public healthcare system Patients’ associations may help you to access treatment opportunities |
Dissatisfaction with healthcare providers | Share your experience with other patients you trust, patients’ associations offer opportunities to meet your peers in a safe environment |
Denial or anger about asthma or its treatment | Consider social/psychological support |