[The mortality associated with asthma in Québec 1975-1985].

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Context:

• Asthma mortality has increased in industrialized nations over the past decade.
• Analysis of Québec death certificates (1975-1985) reveals a 28.6% rise in asthma-associated deaths.
• This trend affects all age groups, with a notable increase in younger individuals (<35 years).

Purpose:

• To analyze trends in asthma mortality and hospitalizations in Québec.
• To identify demographic patterns in asthma-related deaths.
• To highlight the need for enhanced asthma management strategies.

Summary:

• Asthma deaths increased from 1.43 to 1.84 per 100,000 population in Québec between 1975 and 1985.
• Mortality rates rose in younger asthmatics (0.24 to 0.37 per 100,000) and more rapidly in women.
• Asthma hospitalizations remained stable during the same period, suggesting a disconnect in care or severity.

Impact:

• The multifactorial rise in asthma mortality underscores the urgent need for improved asthma control measures.
• Key interventions include patient education, regular monitoring of expiratory flows, and optimized treatment protocols.
• Identifying "at-risk" patients is essential for proactive management and reducing preventable asthma deaths.