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Asthma management preceding an emergency department visit
R E Dales1, P E Kerr, I Schweitzer
1Department of Medicine, Ottawa General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|October 1, 1992
Summary
Asthma management is often inadequate for adults seeking emergency care, with many lacking effective action plans or controlling environmental triggers like smoke. Improved screening and referral are recommended for better asthma control.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Allergy and Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Asthma burden remains high in North America despite advances.
- Preventive measures for asthma management require examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adequacy of preventive measures in adult asthma patients.
- To identify gaps in asthma self-management and environmental control.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 111 emergency department asthma patients.
- Standardized self-administered questionnaire on disability, medications, action plans, and environmental controls.
Main Results:
- 25% experienced significant sleep disturbance and work/school absence.
- 70% lacked effective asthma action plans or physician consultation.
- 33% of those sensitive to smoke were exposed at home.
Conclusions:
- Many adults needing emergency asthma care have suboptimal pre-existing management.
- Emergency physicians should screen for inadequate asthma care.
- Referral to asthma specialists is recommended for identified deficiencies.