For years, telehealth has been an increasingly large part of the average family’s life, with available online appointments increasing after the COVID-19 pandemic. While the worst of the virus is behind us, telehealth is certainly not going away any time soon. In fact, your local pediatric pulmonology specialist offers telehealth as a way to provide immediate asthma care and treatment to young patients. Below we examine the benefits of drawbacks of asthma telehealth.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Asthma Telehealth
While many problems can be addressed and even treated through advanced telehealth systems, some issues may still be best left for the in-person doctor’s office. Today, Dr. Mayank Shukla will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of asthma telehealth so you can make the most informed decision about your family’s care.
Benefit: Manage Multiple Appointments More Easily
When you are first diagnosed with asthma, your might have to schedule some frequent trips to the doctor so you can get used to a new slew of treatments. Young patients may need to learn how to properly use medication and inhalers, which can require multiple doctor’s appointments per month or per year. It might be easier to have the majority of these appointments over a telehealth system to save you time, money, and gas.
Benefit: Submit Your Refills All At Once
Having asthma means you are going to have to rely on an inhaler to help you keep your breathing pathways open. Some patients require a daily prescription which requires them to use an inhaler once or multiple times per day; others may only need an inhaler to use on an as-needed basis in times of emergency. Whatever the case, it is much easier to get your refills when you can have a telehealth appointment with your doctor right away. You don’t need to go into the office just to sign off on more medicine.
Benefit: Have Your Biggest Questions Answered
If you are still having a hard time figuring out how to use an inhaler, or you have additional questions about your asthma medication and its side effects, you can likely have a very successful telehealth appointment without having to prepare a physical visit. As long as your symptoms are mild and under control, you can have a conversation with your doctor from the comfort of your own home.
Drawback: You Can’t Complete Most Tests
Some cases of asthma require tests in order to more fully diagnose and treat its symptoms. Children and young patients diagnosed with asthma for the first time will likely need to have:
- a pulmonary function test
- a PET scan
- and other types of screenings
These can confirm the type and severity of asthma within the body. You need to come into the office to make sure these tests happen properly.
Drawback: You Need In-Person Emergency Care
If the symptoms of your asthma condition are critical, or you are feeling worse after your new medication prescription rather than feeling better, it is important to schedule a visit with your trusted pulmonologist ASAP. While mild symptoms can be discussed over the phone or during a video call, more severe symptoms may warrant a trip to the emergency room. When in doubt, don’t wait to set up an in-person visit with your doctor.
Get Help In-Person or Online with Dr. Mayank Shukla
If you are looking for dynamic and flexible asthma care near you in Brooklyn for yourself or your loved ones, Dr. Mayank Shukla is available to all. Whether you prefer to schedule in-person or telehealth appointments, there is a range of options to help you be your most comfortable self. The best way to treat asthma is to identify symptoms early and be proactive about taking medication. You can achieve this in a number of ways when you establish a customized care plan with us.
