Negative impact of asthma on patients in different age groups

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of asthma on patients in Brazil, by age group (12-17 years, 18-40 years, and ≥ 41 years). Methods: From a survey conducted in Latin America in 2011, we obtained data on 400 patients diagnosed with asthma and residing in one of four Brazilian state capitals (São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and Salvador). The data had been collected using a standardized questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. For the patients who were minors, the parents/guardians had completed the questionnaire. The questions addressed asthma control, number of hospitalizations, number of emergency room visits, and school/work absenteeism, as well as the impact of asthma on the quality of life, sleep, and leisure. We stratified the data by the selected age groups. Results: The proportions of patients who responded in the affirmative to the following questions were significantly higher in the 12- to 17-year age group than in the other two groups: "Have you had at least one episode of severe asthma that prevented you from playing/exercising in the last 12 months?" (p = 0.012); "Have you been absent from school/work in the last 12 months?" (p < 0.001); "Have you discontinued your asthma relief or control medication in the last 12 months?" (p = 0.008). In addition, 30.2% of the patients in the 12- to 17-year age group reported that normal physical exertion was very limiting (p = 0.010 vs. the other groups), whereas 14% of the patients in the ≥ 41-year age group described social activities as very limiting (p = 0.011 vs. the other groups). Conclusions: In this sample, asthma had a greater impact on the patients between 12 and 17 years of age, which might be attributable to poor treatment compliance.

The Global Impact of Asthma in Adult Populations

“…Asthma is more common in children and the leading cause of chronic airway disease; however, new onset disease can occur at any age [2,[8][9]. With increasing age, it becomes more difficult to differentiate adult onset asthma from other diagnoses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), leading to frequent under or misdiagnosis [2,7,10].…”

Exposure to secondhand smoke among patients with asthma: a cross-sectional study

“…(2)(3)(4) Moreover, it also decreases productivity, since it contributes to more school and work absences. (5) Multiple factors are involved in poor asthma control, such as low adherence to treatment and medical recommendations, inadequate use of inhalers, presence of multiple and co-morbid conditions, besides passive smoking − a major modifiable risk factor. (3,6) Smoking affects approximately 1.3 billion people globally and is associated with the deaths of more than 6 million people/year, of which 5 million result from active smoking, and 600,000 from secondhand smoking.…”

Development and Implementation of an Evidence-based Self-regulation Intervention: Effect on Knowledge and Perceived Control Among Adult Patients with Asthma

“…Asthma had an enormous impact on patient's wellbeing [5], despite the availability of effective treatments and evidencebased management guidelines [6]. Asthma can result in physical, emotional, and social limitations that can impair patients' quality oflife [7].…”

“…Epidemiological studies in Saudi Arabia revealed an increasing prevalence of asthma in the past three decades, which may be attributed to the rapid lifestyle changes related to the modernization of Saudi society, changes in dietary habits, and exposure to environmental factors such as indoor allergens, dust, sand storms, and tobacco [3]. Asthma, a common chronic disorder of the airways in Saudi Arabia affecting more than 2 million Saudis, ranks19 th in terms of disability-adjusted life years [4].Asthma had an enormous impact on patient's wellbeing [5], despite the availability of effective treatments and evidencebased management guidelines [6]. Asthma can result in physical, emotional, and social limitations that can impair patients' quality oflife [7].…”