What lies behind relief and worsening of asthma symptoms? A register-based study of adults with asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases in Finland

Abstract

Aims:

To examine how subjects with relief or worsening of asthma symptoms differ in terms of gender, age, severity and duration of asthma, comorbidity, and difficulties with medication and daily life.

Methods:

A postal inquiry among a sample of 6000 adults with clinically diagnosed asthma and/or other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Results:

Relief of asthma symptoms over a 12-month period was associated with a recent asthma diagnosis, within five years, in both sexes. Lack of current smoking and lack of problems in using anti-asthmatic treatment were associated with a positive outcome in men, and mild asthma and living alone associated with a positive outcome in women. Severe and moderate asthma predicted worse symptoms in both sexes, as did other obstructive pulmonary diseases, living alone, and medication problems amongst men.

Conclusions:

Patients with asthma should be cared for comprehensively, requiring consideration of both clinical and psychosocial factors that can modify the course of the disease.