Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Methodology for Sputum Induction and Laboratory Processing
Published on: December 17, 2017
Regional variation and adherence to guidelines for drug treatment of asthma
Marianne Heibert Arnlind1, Björn Wettermark, Mika Nokela
1Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. marianne.heibert.arnlind@ki.se
Aims:
To describe the utilization of antiasthmatic drugs in Sweden and to explore regional variations in drug utilization and adherence to guidelines for rational drug prescribing of antiasthmatics and their rationale.
Methods:
Data on antiasthmatic drugs dispensed between July 2005 and December 2008 to all Swedish citizens aged between 18 and 44 years were obtained from the Swedish National Prescribed Drug Register. The period prevalence was determined by analyzing the number of users/1000 inhabitants, and the incidence by analyzing the number of new users after an 18-month drug-free wash-out period. Three drug-related indicators were used to assess the adherence to guidelines. All measures were analyzed by gender and region.
Results:
A total of 161,000 patients were dispensed antiasthmatics in 2007, corresponding to a prevalence of 4 and 6% among men and women, respectively; the incidence rates were 2 and 3%, respectively. The total drug utilization and adherence to guidelines varied between regions. The total drug expenditures of antiastmatics were 258 million SEK (28 million euro), with fixed dose combinations accounting for 46% of the expenditure. No relation was found between models for allocating prescribing budgets or clear Drug and Therapeutics Committee recommendations and adherence to guidelines.
Conclusion:
There are large regional variations in the utilization of antiasthmatics between Swedish regions, with substantial room for improvement in the adherence to guidelines. New methods of influencing physician behavior may be needed in the future to enhance adherence.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations