EFFECT OF ALLERGY SPECIALIST CARE ON THE QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA

Background: Traditional assessment of asthma severity has been based o n symptoms reported by patients, findings on physical examination, and pulmonary function measures. Newer measurements evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients, We attempted to assess the effect of aller gy specialty care on the quality of life of asthmatic patients. Method s: A validated asthma quality of life questionnaire was administered p rospectively to patients with asthma on their first visit to our clini c; a second questionnaire was given a few months later, All patients h ad been under tile care of a primary physician prior to coming to our office. Results: The paired questionnaires were analyzed and showed im provement in the asthma quality of life. The total scores improved fro m 28.1 to 21.6 (P = 1.5 X 10(-5)), the breathlessness score from 8.7 t o 5.9 (P = 7.3 X 10(-8)), the mood scores from 6.4 to 4.6 (P = 1.1 X 1 0(-5)), The social concerns from 4.5 to 3.9 (P = .08) and the concern for health from 8.4 to 7.1 (P = .02). Conclusions: This is further evi dence that allergy specialty care improves asthma quality of life over primary care treatment.