World Asthma Day: results of a hospital-based awareness and case-finding campaign

To assess whether a World Asthma Day campaign could provide epidemiological information, identify possible undiagnosed asthma, and increase public awareness of the disease.

On World Asthma Day 2024, an information desk staffed by pulmonology, allergy, and nursing professionals was installed in the hospital lobby, and volunteers were invited to participate. Recorded variables included age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, previous asthma diagnosis, rhinitis, asthma severity, medical follow-up, previous spirometry, asthma treatment, and comorbidities. Respiratory symptoms compatible with asthma were assessed using a brief structured mini-questionnaire enquiring about recurrent wheezing, persistent or recurrent cough, exertional dyspnea, nocturnal symptoms, and chest tightness. Spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide were measured in all participants. Asthma control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test.

A total of 112 volunteers were evaluated (mean age 57 ± 18 years; 84 women, 75%). Known asthma was present in 45 participants (40%), rhinitis in 46 (41%), and comorbidities in 51 (46%). Among participants with known asthma, 42.2% reported no active follow-up, and 46.7% were not on maintenance therapy. Fourteen participants (12.5%) fulfilled criteria for probable undiagnosed asthma (compatible symptoms plus fractional exhaled nitric oxide ≥25 ppb). The campaign reached 12,500 social media users with an engagement rate of 18.4%.

This campaign was useful not only for identifying potential new asthma cases, but also for increasing disease awareness through substantial media and social-media impact.