MORBIDITY, MEDICATION AND TRIGGER FACTORS IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE OF ADULTS WITH ASTHMA

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.