AIRE (Asthma insights and reality in Europe) study of asthmatics in Europe

Citation
R. Liard et al., AIRE (Asthma insights and reality in Europe) study of asthmatics in Europe, REV FR ALLE, 41, 2001, pp. 5S-16S
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Clinical Immunolgy & Infectious Disease
Journal title
REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE ET D IMMUNOLOGIE CLINIQUE
ISSN journal
03357457 → ACNP
Volume
41
Year of publication
2001
Supplement
1
Pages
5S - 16S
Database
ISI
SICI code
0335-7457(200102)41:<5S:A(IARI>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
Objective. - To describe the current state of asthma treatment and control, and of patients' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour related to asthma in E urope. Methods. - A telephone survey was carried out in national probability sampl es of asthmatics in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands, S weden, Italy and Spain, in March-April 1999. Of the 73,880 households scree ned, 3,488 included at least one diagnosed asthmatic with current treatment and/or symptoms: 2,803 (80.4%) were interviewed (2,050 adults and parents of 753 children). Results, - Asthma control was poor: 46% of the patients had daytime symptom s and 30% had sleep disturbances, at least once a week. In the past year, 3 0% had emergency visits to hospital or doctors for their asthma; 17% of the adults and 43% of the children had missed work or school because of asthma . Only 23% reported current use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, wher eas 63% used quick relief medications. The patients overestimated the contr ol of their asthma: nearly half (49%) of those with severe persistent sympt oms said their asthma was well controlled. The majority (56%) of patients s aid that only the symptoms could be treated, not the underlying condition. Conclusion. - This study shows a dramatic gap between reality and the goals for asthma management established by international guidelines: the current state of asthma in Europe falls far short of those goals and patients do n ot realize it. There is a great need of increased patient education about a sthma and its management. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Else vier SAS.