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Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma: a 9-year study of Italian conscripts
G Ciprandi1, A Vizzaccaro, I Cirillo
1Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, DIMI, University of Genoa, Italy. giocip@unige.it
Background:
During the last 20 years, the epidemiology of asthma has been investigated in various populations, thus providing interesting data including the accuracy of diagnosis and the adequacy of treatment.
Methods:
We studied for 9 years the epidemiological features of asthma in a homogeneous population of 18-year-old males referred to La Spezia Military Navy Hospital for a call-up visit (conscripts).
Results:
During the period of 1990-1998, 91,700 men were screened at their call-up visit; out of them 5,371 (7%) had asthma, but in 7.4% the disease had not been previously diagnosed. During the observation period there was a significant decrease of the level III severity of asthma, but about one quarter of the asthmatic subjects received no treatment at all. On the other hand, a significant increase in the prescription of inhaled steroids was observed.
Conclusion:
Despite educational efforts, a not negligible underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of asthma in young adults still persist.