Asthma in Wisconsin adults: a persistent problem for patients and providers

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that requires active provider and patient management to prevent chronic symptoms and exacerbations. Data from the 2002 Wisconsin Behavioral Risk Factor Survey were used to determine asthma prevalence and characterize asthma symptom severity, control, and management among Wisconsin adults. About 8.5% or an estimated 345,000 adults in Wisconsin reported currently having asthma. Most adults with asthma (66%) have symptoms consistent with intermittent asthma. Over 80% of Wisconsin adults with asthma reported experiencing asthma symptoms in the past 30 days and 14% reported going to the emergency department for asthma in the past 12 months. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Management and Diagnosis Guidelines are considered the standard of quality for asthma care. Asthma management in Wisconsin falls short of meeting these guidelines. Classifying the severity of asthma, scheduling routine follow-up care, recommending measures to control asthma triggers, and treating or preventing comorbid conditions are key asthma management clinical activities. Increased clinical management coupled with improved patient self-management is needed to reduce the burden of asthma in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Asthma Plan, released by the Wisconsin Asthma Coalition, provides concrete steps for improving provider and patient asthma management.