Burden of Respiratory Disease in Korea: An Observational Study on Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, COPD, and Rhinosinusitis

Abstract

PurposeThe Asia-Pacific Burden of Respiratory Diseases (APBORD) study is a cross-sectional, observational one which has used a standard protocol to examine the disease and economic burden of allergic rhinitis (AR), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and rhinosinusitis across the Asia-Pacific region. Here, we report on symptoms, healthcare resource use, work impairment, and associated costs in Korea.MethodsConsecutive participants aged ≥18 years with a primary diagnosis of asthma, AR, COPD, or rhinosinusitis were enrolled. Participants and their treating physician completed a survey detailing respiratory symptoms, healthcare resource use, and work productivity and activity impairment. Costs included direct medical cost and indirect cost associated with lost work productivity.ResultsThe study enrolled 999 patients. Patients were often diagnosed with multiple respiratory disorders (42.8%), with asthma/AR and AR/rhinosinusitis the most frequently diagnosed combinations. Cough or coughing up phlegm was the primary reason for the medical visit in patients with a primary diagnosis of asthma and COPD, whereas nasal symptoms (watery runny nose, blocked nose, and congestion) were the main reasons in those with AR and rhinosinusitis. The mean annual cost for patients with a respiratory disease was US$8,853 (SD 11,245) per patient. Lost productivity due to presenteeism was the biggest contributor to costs.ConclusionsRespiratory disease has a significant impact on disease burden in Korea. Treatment strategies for preventing lost work productivity could greatly reduce the economic burden of respiratory disease.

Real‐life effectiveness of inhaler device switch from dry powder inhalers to pressurized metred‐dose inhalers in patients with asthma treated with ICS/LABA

“…Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease representing a considerable global healthcare burden. 1,2 In South Korea, asthma had a prevalence of 4.7% in 2008, 3 and posed significant economic burden through both direct (healthcare resource usage) and indirect costs (loss of productivity), 3,4 ranking as the fourth most burdensome disease in terms of disability-adjusted life years. 5 Korean and International asthma guidelines recommend fixed-dose combination (FDC) of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β 2 -agonists (LABA) for patients with persistent asthma when ICS treatment is insufficient.…”

Cough Hypersensitivity Syndrome: A Few More Steps Forward

“…In a previous US survey, acute cough was the single most common symptom for seeking medical consultation 6. In a survey in Asian-Pacific countries, cough was the most frequent symptom and also was the main reason for medical visits among patients with respiratory diseases 78. Chronic cough is also a globally prevalent problem, affecting ~10% of adults in the general population 9.…”

History of pulmonary tuberculosis affects the severity and clinical outcomes of COPD

“…Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered a serious health problem worldwide. COPD morbidity and mortality have been increasing because of ageing societies, increased smoking prevalence and air pollution, and lead to high health costs . COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation induced by toxic particles and gases resulting in progressive and irreversible airway obstruction characterized by bronchitis and emphysema.…”

“…COPD morbidity and mortality have been increasing because of ageing societies, increased smoking prevalence and air pollution, and lead to high health costs. [1][2][3][4][5] COPD is characterized by chronic inflammation induced by toxic particles and gases resulting in progressive and irreversible airway obstruction characterized by bronchitis and emphysema. Cigarette smoking and ageing are well-known major risk factors for the development of COPD.…”