[Changes in asthma insights and reality in Japan (AIRJ) in 2005 since 2000]

A cross-sectional survey, Asthma Insights and Reality in Japan (AIRJ) conducted in 2000 demonstrated that the level of asthma control and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use in Japanese asthmatics were low compared to the average in European countries. The purpose of the AIRJ survey in 2005 was to assess changes in the burden of asthma and asthma management in Japan since 2000 AIRJ survey.

We used identical methods to AIRJ 2000, including random-digit dialing to identify current asthmatics throughout Japan in 2005. A detailed telephone survey which included items on the burden of asthma and clinical management was conducted in 800 households (400 adults, 400 children) from the identified asthmatics. We compared AIRJ 2005 results with those of AIRJ 2000 separately for adults and children with statistical adjustment for differences in population characteristics between AIRJ 2000 and AIRJ 2005.

Participants in 2005 reported significantly lower prevalence of symptoms, including a decrease in daytime symptoms in adults (52% to 46%, p=0.046) and a decrease in night-time awaking in children (40% to 33%, p=0.039). The number of patients who experienced one or more asthma episodes in the past year (ER visits, hospitalization, or unscheduled doctor visits) decreased significantly from 2000 in adults (41% to 31%, p<0.01) and children (62% to 49%, p<0.001). ICS use rate increased significantly in adults (12% to 18%, p=0.019) and had a tendency to increase in children (5% to 8%, p=0.059).

There have been improvements in the burden of asthma patients and clinical disease management as well as more use of ICS in Japan since 2000. Nevertheless, in most patients, ICS use still remained low, and asthma management fell short of the goals of treatment outlined in the Japanese guidelines. There is a need to increase awareness of and compliance with the asthma guidelines and to popularize standardized therapy in Japan.