Asthma, once a debilitating disease with few treatment options, is today a highly manageable condition for most of the nearly 15 million Americans who have it. Approximately one-third of these are children. Through education and well-managed care, people with asthma can now lead full and productive lives. The Asthma Center at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is designed to assist primary care physicians in managing their own asthma patients. Our focus is on comprehensive evaluation, treatment and patient education for asthma patients whose conditions range from mild to severe. Bringing together specialists from Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy & Immunology, and Pharmacy, we provide a team approach to the evaluation and treatment of asthma conditions. More specifically, our goals are as follows:

  • To improve and maintain health and quality of life of children and adults with asthma
  • To reduce the need for emergency treatment or hospitalization, thereby reducing the cost of managing asthma
  • To improve asthma care by participating in clinical research

Through education about asthma triggers and careful monitoring of patients’ progress, emergency treatments and hospitalizations for high-risk patients have decreased dramatically at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center since the Asthma Center began operations in 1996.

About Asthma

Asthma has become increasingly more common the past 25 years. Many patients with asthma have underlying allergies. Symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath caused by a narrowing of the bronchial passages (airways) in the lungs, and excess mucus production and inflammation. Asthma can be disabling and, if not treated, can sometimes be fatal. If wheezing and shortness of breath accompany allergy symptoms, it is a signal that the bronchial tubes have also become involved, indicating the need for medical attention.

At Lahey, we have a complete program of diagnostic, treatment and coping techniques for the care of both adults and children with asthma. Special attention is given to children, including plans for keeping your child active and educating you about setting appropriate guidelines for your child’s activities. More specifically, our goals are as follows:

  • To improve and maintain health and quality of life for children and adults with asthma
  • To reduce the need for emergency treatment or hospitalization, thereby reducing the cost of managing asthma
  • To improve asthma care by participating in clinical research studies

For specific information on asthma medications, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website.