We have located links that may give you full text access.
Comparative Study
English Abstract
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
[Descriptive analysis (clinical and functional characteristics) of an asthmatic population in a health care district].
Archivos de Bronconeumología 1999 December
OBJECTIVE: To determine the social, demographic, clinical and lung function characteristics of the population of asthmatics living in Health Care District 2 of Madrid.
STUDY DESIGN: Transversal (initial visit) phase of a primary care community intervention study. The target population consisted of all asthmatics in District 2 of Madrid who were registered at the public health clinics, were older than 14 and had experienced asthma symptoms within the past year. The selection of patients for the study was systematic (not probabilistic), such that all registered asthmatics seeking care and/or scheduled for check-ups were enrolled. Participation was 96.6% of those on file. We recorded social, demographic, clinical, and lung function variables as well as results of allergy studies, family histories of asthma and/or atopy and type of treatment.
RESULTS: Six hundred fifty patients were enrolled, 238 men (36.7%) and 412 women (63.3%). Mean age was 45 +/- 28.1 yr, mean FEV1% was 87.2 +/- 26%. Mean course of disease was 16 +/- 14.6 yr and age of onset was 26 +/- 20 yr. Family history of asthma was present in 34% of cases and a family history of atopy was reported by 21%. Half had allergic rhinitis as an associated factor, with respiratory infections (62.4%) being the most common trigger, followed by pollen (25.3%) and exposure to tobacco smoke (20%). Active smokers accounted for 9.1% of the group, and ex-smokers for 21.6%. Short-term beta-adrenergic drugs on demand were used by 64% of patients, whereas 83.2% reported daily and long-term use of beta-2 drugs and 77% used inhaled steroids. Severity of disease differed significantly by age of patient, age at onset and predominance of perennial asthma (with older age and age of onset and greater seasonality observed among severely asthmatic patients).
CONCLUSIONS: a) Most symptomatic asthmatic have mild disease. b) Rationally adjusted, appropriate drug treatment should be graded according to level of disease severity.
STUDY DESIGN: Transversal (initial visit) phase of a primary care community intervention study. The target population consisted of all asthmatics in District 2 of Madrid who were registered at the public health clinics, were older than 14 and had experienced asthma symptoms within the past year. The selection of patients for the study was systematic (not probabilistic), such that all registered asthmatics seeking care and/or scheduled for check-ups were enrolled. Participation was 96.6% of those on file. We recorded social, demographic, clinical, and lung function variables as well as results of allergy studies, family histories of asthma and/or atopy and type of treatment.
RESULTS: Six hundred fifty patients were enrolled, 238 men (36.7%) and 412 women (63.3%). Mean age was 45 +/- 28.1 yr, mean FEV1% was 87.2 +/- 26%. Mean course of disease was 16 +/- 14.6 yr and age of onset was 26 +/- 20 yr. Family history of asthma was present in 34% of cases and a family history of atopy was reported by 21%. Half had allergic rhinitis as an associated factor, with respiratory infections (62.4%) being the most common trigger, followed by pollen (25.3%) and exposure to tobacco smoke (20%). Active smokers accounted for 9.1% of the group, and ex-smokers for 21.6%. Short-term beta-adrenergic drugs on demand were used by 64% of patients, whereas 83.2% reported daily and long-term use of beta-2 drugs and 77% used inhaled steroids. Severity of disease differed significantly by age of patient, age at onset and predominance of perennial asthma (with older age and age of onset and greater seasonality observed among severely asthmatic patients).
CONCLUSIONS: a) Most symptomatic asthmatic have mild disease. b) Rationally adjusted, appropriate drug treatment should be graded according to level of disease severity.
Full text links
Related Resources
Trending Papers
Hemodynamic Support in Sepsis.Anesthesiology 2024 June 2
The New Challenge of Obesity - Obesity-Associated Nephropathy.Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity 2024
Advances in Clinical Cardiology 2023: A Summary of Key Clinical Trials.Advances in Therapy 2024 May 15
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app