referral of asthmatic patients

Management

Situations indicating referral of patients with asthma.

• uncertainty about the diagnosis
• instability or partial response to treatment
• frequent use of inhaled beta-adrenergic agonists or adjustments in therapeutic regimens
• requirement of multiple medications & frequent need for systemic glucocorticoids
• concern regarding adverse effects of therapy
• identification of allergens or other environmental triggers
• consideration of allergen immunotherapy
• need for intensive education for the patients &/or primary care-giver
• family dynamics that interfere with patient care
• chronic cough refractory to the usual therapy
• coexisting illnesses that complicate management
• recurrent absences form school or work
• continuing nocturnal episodes
• inability to participate in normal daily activities & sports
• excessive lability of pulmonary function
• preventative measures required for high-risk patients
• sudden severe attacks, frequent hospitalizations & emergency room visits
• loss of consciousness or seizures

More general terms

• referral