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Has the management of asthma improved?
Lancet (London, England)
|September 12, 1987
Summary
Despite rising asthma diagnoses in the UK, improved management is evident. Fewer consultations per asthma patient indicate better care, likely due to increased use of inhaled steroids and sodium cromoglycate.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Asthma morbidity and mortality rates are reportedly increasing in the UK.
- This trend persists despite significant growth in anti-asthmatic drug sales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of recent therapeutic advancements on asthma management in the UK.
- To analyze trends in asthma diagnosis, patient consultations, and prescribing patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of national morbidity surveys from 1970-71 and 1981-82.
- Examination of Department of Health and Social Security prescribing data from 1968 to 1985.
Main Results:
- Diagnosed asthma cases increased by 75% between 1970-71 and 1981-82.
- Consultation, home visit, and outpatient referral rates per asthmatic patient decreased by 19%, 44%, and 32% respectively.
- Total prescribing for airflow obstruction rose by 76%, with a shift towards preventive treatments (10.6% to 19.4%).
Conclusions:
- Asthma management has improved for the average patient, requiring fewer consultations.
- Increased use of inhaled topical steroids and sodium cromoglycate likely contributes to this improvement.
- Preventive asthma treatment remains under-prescribed, and the condition is still underdiagnosed.