To get your child on a path to better asthma control, the Pulmonary and Allergy Personalized Asthma (PAPA) Clinic at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) will work with your family to develop a care plan designed just for your child.

Our comprehensive approach means our appointments can take a little longer than you may be used to. Please plan for the appointment to take between one to two hours. We’ll also give you a reminder call a few days before your PAPA appointments.

Before you go: Tips to make the most of your appointments

• Complete your pre-visit questionnaire before you arrive.
• Please plan to arrive at the registration desk 30 minutes BEFORE the appointment time to allow for additional testing and paperwork needs.
• Bring your asthma medications and spacers to ALL your PAPA visits. We will review how to use these asthma medications at each visit.
• Bring any questions or concerns about your child’s asthma diagnosis and care.

Your first visit

A pulmonologist and an allergist will see your child at the same time. This approach allows your child to benefit from the insight of both specialists in creating a personalized asthma care plan.

Depending on your child's age and needs, we may conduct breathing and allergy tests at this visit.

Your family will also have the option to meet with our emotional and behavioral support team.

Second and third visits

The structure of follow-up visits depends on the personalized plan created at your child’s first visit to the PAPA clinic. Your child may see one doctor or, in some instances, both doctors. You will again have the option to meet with our emotional and behavioral support team.

What we'll cover

During your visits, our team of specialists can help with any concerns you might have, including:

• Confirming the diagnosis of asthma
• Helping to identify asthma triggers
• Partnering with your family to find the right treatment for your child’s asthma while trying to use as little medication as possible
• Reviewing and updating your child's current treatment plan
• Developing strategies to make it easier to take asthma medications
• Assessing any special family needs and helping you access helpful community resources that may improve your child’s health