Asthma Program
Children's Medical Group is at the forefront of primary care pediatric asthma management. We offer a comprehensive asthma program that guides families through diagnosis, treatment and management of the condition. Learn more about this special program at the Pediatric Resource Center.
About Children's Asthma
Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, affecting more than 6 million in the United States alone. The good news is that advances in management guidelines and medications are helping improve the quality of life of many asthma patients. Did you know that 20 percent of Olympic athletes have asthma? Asthma didn't end their dreams, and it shouldn't have to prevent your child from pursuing the sports and activities they love and which other children their age enjoy.
CMG's Program
Our program follows the national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Our goal is to help control asthma as much as possible with the least amount of medication. We want to prevent asthma symptoms and "attacks," not just treat them when they occur. In order to accomplish this, we see patients whenever acute symptoms develop as well as at regular follow-up appointments. This allows us to assess how a patient's individual asthma plan is working.
The main components of our program include:
- Assessment of asthma history and risk factors.
- Measurement of lung function with spirometry to diagnose and monitor asthma (for ages 6 years and older).
- An "Asthma Action Plan," which we work closely with you to develop. It details your child's medications, when to use them and what to do when symptoms occur. Two or more copies are provided so you can share your child's plan with their school, caregiver, or other family member as needed.
- Assessment of individual allergy triggers. We also teach you ways to minimize exposure to those triggers specific to your child's asthma.
- We help your child learn how to use their inhalers and spacers correctly in order to get the most medication into their lungs, where it needs to go to be effective.
CMG is also one of the few pediatric practices in the region with a nationally certified asthma educator, Michael Corjulo, who provides an additional layer of resources and support to patients and their families. CMG additionally participates in the New Haven Community Medical Group Pediatric Asthma Program — which is chaired by CMG’s Kirsten Baker — working with area pediatric practices to identify and monitor best practices in asthma.
Evaluating Your Child
Not every child with asthma wheezes; asthma symptoms can be subtle enough that patients and their families may not recognize them. If you think your child may have asthma, here are some questions to consider:
- Does your child cough for more than two weeks with a cold or upper respiratory illness?
- Does your child cough with exercise or when out in cold weather?
- Does your child seem more winded than their peers doing the same exercises?
- Does your child cough frequently at night?
- Has your child had repeat illnesses requiring inhaler medications?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your child may benefit from an asthma evaluation with us.
If your child has already been diagnosed with asthma, you can assess their asthma control anytime by taking this Asthma Control Test (ACT). Your answers to the questions may help you and your doctor determine if your child's treatment plan is working or if it might be time for a change. Always call us if you have questions or concerns or would like to schedule a visit.
Please call our team today at (203) 288-4288 to schedule a wellness visit for your child or to ask any questions.