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[The perception of improvement in asthma]
J L Heredia1, M Rodríguez, S Quintana
1Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Mútua de Terrassa, Universidad de Barcelona.
Medicina Clinica
|November 11, 1995
Summary
Asthma patients often cannot accurately detect airflow obstruction or treatment effects. Objective lung function tests are crucial for effective asthma management and monitoring daily variations.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Investigated stable asthma patients' ability to perceive airflow obstruction.
- Assessed patient recognition of treatment efficacy and daily lung function fluctuations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between subjective patient perception and objective spirometric measurements in stable asthma.
- To determine the reliability of self-assessment for airflow obstruction and bronchodilator response.
Main Methods:
- 39 stable asthma patients received inhaled terbutaline (500 mcg) or placebo over two days.
- Subjective patient-reported outcomes were compared against objective spirometry (FEV1) results.
Main Results:
- Significant discrepancies were found: 7/30 patients with obstruction were asymptomatic, and 3/9 with normal spirometry were symptomatic.
- 54% of patients inaccurately assessed their improvement with medication.
- 18 patients showed >10% FEV1 change between days, but 10 did not perceive this difference.
Conclusions:
- Patients with stable asthma may not accurately perceive airflow obstruction or treatment benefits.
- Objective spirometric monitoring is essential for reliable evaluation and follow-up in asthma care.