They say it takes a village to raise a child. When the child has asthma, it takes a “village” of health experts. This health team will help your child manage their symptoms and live a normal, active life.

Good communication with your child’s asthma care team is very important because treating asthma is often a complex, ongoing challenge. You’ll rely on these individuals to help you and your child manage symptoms, avoid triggers and map out an effective treatment plan.

Your child’s asthma care team will be composed of several individuals, including a:

• Pediatrician. Whether this individual is a doctor or a nurse practitioner, they will diagnose your child’s illness, outline treatment and create an asthma action plan. They’ll also refer you to other professionals, as needed.
• Nurse or asthma educator. Your child’s doctor may refer you to a trained educator who will teach you how to deal with your child’s chronic health condition.
• Pharmacist. Well-versed on the tools used to keep asthma under control, a pharmacist can teach your child how to use inhaler medicines, peak-flow meters and other equipment. They will also let you know about the possible side effects of medications and when to call the doctor.
• Allergist. When asthma is triggered by allergens, an allergist can help you identify the culprits so they can be avoided and symptoms can be better managed.  
• Family. Your loved ones can support you. They can help your child avoid asthma triggers. Some family members may even be trained to respond to a severe asthma attack.
• School.  Provide your child’s teachers with a copy of his or her asthma action plan. When the plan is carried out, kids can stay healthy, learn better and participate fully during their school day.
• You. It’s up to you to communicate with everyone on your child’s team, so they can make decisions based on the most up-to-date information.

While asthma is the most common long-term disease in children, it can affect people for their entire lives. Putting together a health care team now will help your child learn to manage asthma through adulthood.

To learn more about asthma and the Taking on Asthma initiative, visit our website.

Sources: Asthma,  National Institutes of Health, 2020; Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative Toolkit,  American Lung Association, 2020.

Originally published 9/2/2016; Revised 2021