Asthma Care

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The Prairie Clinic Asthma Program contains four necessary key components recognized by the National Asthma Education And Prevention Program [NAEPP] Committee. These scientific guidelines are the foundation from which this program is formulated.

1. Use of objective measure of lung function to assess the severity of asthma and to monitor the course of therapy.
2. Environmental control measures to avoid or eliminate factors that precipitate asthma symptoms or exacerbations.
3. Comprehensive pharmacologic therapy for long-term management to reverse and prevent airway inflammation and acute exacerbations, both which are characteristic of asthma.
4. Patient education that fosters a partnership among the patient, his or her family, and clinicians.

PROGRAM REVIEW:

The Respiratory Therapist works with patients to develop a partnership in asthma self-management by assessing and monitoring patients. The use of objective lung function measurement to determine severity class and bronchodilator response, along with instructing patients how to avoid or control asthma triggers. Working in close collaboration with the patient's primary physician, the Respiratory Therapist establishes an action plan for both long-term management and acute exacerbations, as well as provide regular scheduled follow-up care through office visits and telephone contacts. Patients benefit from this program because of the long term commitment to personalized care. Asthma patients who are problematic need the intensive instruction, ongoing support, and constant reinforcement that the Prairie Clinic Asthma Program offers.

Respiratory Therapist

• Tim Ballweg, RRT/CPFT AE-C