It is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control that around 17 million people in the U.S. suffer from asthma. If this number includes you, you may wonder about the next step after being diagnosed with asthma. Ideally, you and your asthma doctor will partner up to create and employ an asthma management plan, your best defense against the hindering effects of asthma on a happy, healthy life.

Not many conditions are better treated when patient and doctor work closely together. Being involved in the management of your health may be a new experience for you. This could be the same for your doctor. However, these trends are changing. Nowadays, healthcare providers are encouraged by the National Institutes of Health to work actively with asthma patients.

Actively working with your doctor means working together equally. Your part in the partnership is specified by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, while your doctor's role is defined by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Project. Knowing what your role entails, and what you can count on your physician doing will aide you in successfully creating a partnership needed to treat and manage your asthma.

Your and Your Asthma Doctor

Ask plenty of questions. Learning about asthma treatment will probably be a new experience for you, and if you don't understand something the doctor has said, let him or her know. Between visits, jot down any questions that pop into your head, and ask them the next time you go in.

Tell the truth. When talking to your doctor about your asthma treatment, let him or her know everything about symptoms and medication use. Don't be embarrassed. You physician needs to know everything you know in order to provide the best possible treatment.

Let your doctor know why you've come in. If you have a detailed question, or are worried about side effects from a certain medication, tell your doctor in a straightforward way.

Follow instructions. Record them on paper, and clarify them with your physician. Administer your medication as instructed. If you think you will have a problem doing something as directed, let your healthcare provider know.

Your Doctor's Responsibilities:

Inquire as to whether or not you understand directions. Your physician should also ask if you are meeting your treatment goals and if your condition is improving.

Educate you. You healthcare provider should teach you how to care for yourself, and provide information about monitoring your condition, controlling your environment, and the general basics of asthma. Also, he or she will give you specific directions about taking medications, such as dose amounts and potential side effects.

Listen. If you think there's something wrong with your asthma management plan, your doctor should be ready to reevaluate it, and alter it to fit your needs.

Provide you with the tools you need to deal with asthma, such as an asthma management plan, for preventing asthma episodes and controlling your condition, and an asthma action plan, which will guide you through an asthma episode.