Asthma Management Program

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that causes the airways in the lungs to become swollen and narrowed at times. This makes it harder for air to flow out of your airways when you breathe. About 1 in 13 people have asthma.

Asthma requires education, support and self-management to maintain your lung health and quality of life. We encourage you to take control of your asthma through Asthma Management Education offered by Lee Health, which is based on guidelines by the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. Asthma Management Education is the only outpatient asthma program in Southwest Florida. 

Asthma/COPD Educators will help empower individuals with Asthma and their caregivers.These appointments are available one-on-one via telehealth and in-person, or in group settings.

Asthma Management: Learning to Live with Asthma

Our goal is to work with the person with Asthma to identify and reduce triggers, help them obtain and maintain normal lung function, improve daily activities and the overall quality of life, while reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Asthma Symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe out
• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling over-tired
• Difficulty breathing or ability to take deep breaths

Lee Health Asthma Management Education: What You Need to Know

While asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, it is important to understand your asthma signs and symptoms to help you manage your condition. 

We will show you how to:

• Identify asthma triggers
• Recognize asthma symptoms
• Use a spacer to enhance medication delivery
• Use a peak-flow meter to monitor your lung function
• Manage symptoms daily
• Manage symptoms in an emergency

Family and caregivers are encouraged to attend Asthma Management Education appointments to make sure they are familiar with the disease and able to recognize signs and symptoms.

Through this program, you will:

• Receive help getting medications, which often are expensive
• Learn how to use inhalers, medical equipment and special breathing techniques
• Gain knowledge of the disease, necessary equipment and recognition of symptoms
• Receive help scheduling doctor appointments

For more information about Asthma Management Education, call 239-343-0765.

Lee Health Asthma Management Program: What you need to know

While asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, it is important to understand your asthma signs and symptoms to help you manage your condition. 

We will show you how to:

• Identify asthma triggers
• Recognize asthma symptoms
• Use a spacer to enhance medication delivery
• Use a peak-flow meter to monitor your lung function
• Manage symptoms daily
• Manage symptoms in an emergency

Family and caregivers are encouraged to attend Asthma Management Education appointments to make sure they are familiar with the disease and able to recognize signs and symptoms.

Through this program, you will:

• Receive help getting medications, which often are expensive
• Learn how to use inhalers, medical equipment and special breathing techniques
• Gain knowledge of the disease, necessary equipment and recognition of symptoms
• Receive help scheduling doctor appointments

Asthma Management: Learning to Live with Asthma

Our program is designed to help asthmatics and their families understand their diagnosis and the nature of their condition. By the end of our asthma management program, you should be able to self-manage your asthma, resulting in fewer absences from school or work, an improvement in your quality of life, a decrease in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, and improved lung function.  Both adults and children of all ages will benefit from the fun, game-like activities that teach self-management skills.

This program also complements the education and treatment children receive as patients in Golisano Children’s Hospital. The program will contact your school nurse and provide the school with a copy of your asthma action plan that you receive during your visit.

We will show you how to:

• Identify asthma triggers
• Recognize asthma symptoms
• Use a spacer to enhance medication delivery
• Use a peak-flow meter to monitor your lung function
• Manage symptoms on a daily basis
• Manage symptoms in an emergency situation

The Asthma Management Program provides you with an age-based asthma folder and carrying pack that includes:

• Spacer
• Peak flow meter and diary
• Educational CDs
• Instructional materials
• Asthma action plan

Our multidisciplinary team of health professionals includes a certified asthma educator, medical directors for adult and pediatric patients, respiratory therapists, and nurses.

Request an appointment with an Asthma Specialist