Demographic and medical factors affecting short-term changes in subjective evaluation of asthma control in adolescents

Abstract

IntroductionAsthma control is an important measure of disease stabilization, which is linked to the treatment and lifestyle recommendations.AimTo assess the impact of selected factors on asthma control in adolescents, as assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT™).Material and methodsThe prospective study included 100 asthma patients aged between 12 and 19. Asthma was assessed in three consecutive follow-up visits spaced 3 months apart, using the standardized ACT™ questionnaire.ResultsAsthma was fully controlled (ACT score = 25 points) in more than half of the patients in all follow-up visits (53.0%, 54.0%, and 56.0%, respectively). More than one third of the participants scored between 20 and 24 points (37.0% vs. 39.0% vs. 40.0%). A minority of patients had uncontrolled asthma (scores below 20), and the group consistently diminished in subsequent visits (10% vs. 7% vs. 4%). Uncontrolled asthma was found significantly more often in female patients (33.33%; p < 0.001) and those living in rural areas (20.59%; p < 0.01). Treatment with a combination of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and LABAs was associated with worse asthma control (14.81%; p < 0.05). Better asthma control was found in patients with a family history of allergies (73.85% vs. 75.38% vs. 78.46%; p < 0.001) and in those with concurrent allergies (66.67% vs. 68.00% vs. 70.67%; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAsthma control in adolescents differs by sex and residence. Concurrent allergies and family history of allergies improve asthma self-control in adolescents.

Asthma control and quality of life in adolescents: The role of illness perceptions, medication beliefs, and adherence

“…Obtaining sufficient asthma control implies fewer asthma symptoms and exacerbations, decreased use of rescue medication, fewer nighttime awakenings, and improved quality of life (QoL) (1)(2)(3). A number of factors are related to uncontrolled asthma, among which are smoking, allergic rhinitis, female gender, and poor adherence (4)(5)(6)(7). Medication adherence (i.e.…”

Influence of environment on residence and selected demographic and clinical parameters of preschool children with IgE-dependent asthma

“…The place of residence may determine the specificity of allergens and the availability of contact with a specialist physician. People living in rural areas are more frequently exposed to allergens (plant pollen, animal allergens) and more likely to experience difficulties in accessing medical care [35,36]. In this study, children living in urban areas were administered antibiotics significantly more often during hospitalisation, which determined the course of asthma, perhaps also due to the specific features of urban environment pollution.…”