Published in:
01-12-2011 | Original Article
Sub-optimal asthma control in teenagers in the midland region of Ireland
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 4/2011
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Background
Internationally, many children with asthma are not attaining achievable asthma control.
Aims
To examine the prevalence of asthma in teenagers in four midland counties, their asthma control and the barriers, if any, to gaining control of asthma.
Methodology
International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children (ISAAC) methodology was used in a survey of Junior Cycle Year 2 second-level students.
Results
The prevalence of “wheeze ever” was 49.8%, “wheeze in the last 12 months” was 32.6% and “asthma ever” was 23.5%. Of teenagers with current asthma, 96% had evidence of sub-optimal asthma control during the previous year. For the majority of the teenagers with asthma, treatment was not guideline concordant; infrequent lung function testing, insufficient review after acute care and poor use of written asthma action plans. Barriers included lack of awareness of need for treatment.
Conclusions
If asthma guidelines are implemented fully, these children may experience better health.