TCAMP: Take Charge Asthma Management Program
Does your child take daily asthma medications? Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Becca McCurdy reviews MD Pediatrics’s TCAMP (Take Charge Asthma Management) Program for our patients who use asthma medications on a daily basis.
It’s important to use your medications everyday, even when you’re feeling well!
Transcript:
“Hi, I’m Becca McCurdy, one of the pediatric nurse practitioners here at MD Pediatrics. I’d like to take a moment to review our T-CAMP asthma management program for patients who take daily asthma medications.
1) Every 6 Months
If you take daily asthma medications, you should have a T-CAMP appointment 6 months after your last well exam. This way, we’re seeing you twice a year and can better adjust medications to suit your evolving needs. Be sure to bring your medications to your appointment.
If you see an allergist or a pulmonologist, please send us referral letters so that we can keep your medical records up to date. It’s important that we have an accurate picture of your overall health.
2) Call Us First
If you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing, call us first. As your medical home with your detailed medical history, we know your specific needs better than anyone. We’re equipped to help you handle most asthma issues, and can always refer you to the ER if that’s the best option.
If you come into the office for asthma-related issues, be sure that you get a hard copy of your new asthma plan when you walk out the door
3) Every Day!
It’s important to take your medications every day, even when you feel well. Long-term asthma controllers keep the swelling in your airways down, preventing asthma attacks from happening in the first place. If you’re feeling good, it means that treatment is working!
One tip that I give my asthma patients is to keep your maintenance inhaler next to your toothbrush so you’ll remember to use it when brushing your teeth: once in the morning, and once at night. Plus, you’ll also be next to the sink to rinse out your mouth after using the inhaler.
With proper care, people who have asthma can stay active, sleep through the night, and avoid disruptive asthma attacks. We’re committed to staying on top of your asthma, so that you can live well and breath easy.”
