Mj. Abramson et al., MORBIDITY, MEDICATION AND TRIGGER FACTORS IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF ADULTS WITH ASTHMA, Medical journal of Australia, 162(2), 1995, pp. 78-81
Objectives: To determine asthma morbidity, use of medications and trig
ger factors for asthma attacks in an adult community sample. Methods:
Follow-up questionnaires were sent to respondents indicating a history
of asthma or any respiratory symptom on a screening questionnaire. A
new scale to measure asthma severity was developed. Results: Questionn
aires were returned by 74% (589/795). Respondents with diagnosed asthm
a had more frequent symptoms and more disruption to lifestyle than tho
se with non-specific respiratory symptoms. Inhaled beta-agonist and or
al theophylline preparations were used by 61% and 16% of asthmatics, r
espectively. Preventive medications such as inhaled corticosteroids an
d cromoglycate were used daily by only 15% and 4%, respectively. The m
ost frequently reported trigger factors were viral upper respiratory t
ract infections, cigarette smoke, house dust, smog and other nonspecif
ic irritants. Twenty per cent of asthmatics reported occupational exac
erbation of symptoms. Conclusions: There is substantial morbidity from
asthma in Victorian adults, which could be reduced by greater use of
preventive medications, avoidance of trigger factors, peak flow,monito
ring and action plans. The asthma severity scale proved to be reliable
and valid.