Is self-management meaningful in bronchial asthma?

Citation
M. Gonon et al., Is self-management meaningful in bronchial asthma?, SCHW MED WO, 129(13), 1999, pp. 519-525
Citations number
18
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine
Journal title
SCHWEIZERISCHE MEDIZINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT
ISSN journal
00367672 → ACNP
Volume
129
Issue
13
Year of publication
1999
Pages
519 - 525
Database
ISI
SICI code
0036-7672(19990403)129:13<519:ISMIBA>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
The threat and uncertainty involved in an asthma attack reduce the quality of life for the patient. Life quality can be improved if the patient learns self-management principles. This is easy to learn and involves a simple pr ocedure requiring the patient to refer to written instructions in the event of an asthma exacerbation. As a basis for treatment the patient needs to m easure maximum peak flow, which can be done with an easy-to-use peak flow m eter. A value above 80% of the personal best indicates that the treatment h as been successful. By means of printed instructions in credit card format, the appropriate treatment: for particular peak flow values and/or symptoms can be looked up and administered. So far there have been no self-manageme nt studies providing a definite answer on what interventions are effective and cost-effective. One clear result is that inhaled steroid therapy must b e initiated early. Learning self-management patently leads to improvement i n the patient's life quality and safety. In the long run this concept appea rs to be cost-saving with regard to days lost through sickness and hospital ization.