|
|
|
The survey reveals widespread misunderstanding about the causes of and treatments for asthma symptoms. Many respondents were uninformed about the two main underlying causes of asthma symptoms – inflammation (airway swelling and irritation) and bronchoconstriction (tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways). In fact, a majority incorrectly believed that only the symptoms could be treated.
- Ninety-three percent of respondents could not correctly identify inflammation as an underlying cause of asthma symptoms; 90% of respondents were unable to volunteer airway constriction as the other main cause (Figure 28)
- When prompted, nearly one-third admitted that they had never heard of inflammation (28%) or bronchoconstriction (29%) as a major factor causing asthma symptoms (Figure 28)
- More than half of those surveyed (55%) thought it was only possible to treat asthma symptoms, not the underlying causes of asthma symptoms (Figure 29)
- More than half of respondents were unaware that there are medications to treat inflammation (51%) or bronchoconstriction (52%) (Figure 30)
The NHLBI has identified undertreatment and inappropriate therapy as major contributors to asthma morbidity and mortality in the United States. According to their guidelines, increased use of a short-acting beta-agonist (medication for the immediate relief of asthma symptoms; also called a quick-relief or rescue inhaler) may be an indicator of poor asthma control. The guidelines also recommend long-term controller asthma medication (medication for the preventative treatment of asthma) be taken daily to achieve and maintain control of persistent asthma. The Children and Asthma in America survey reveals misperceptions about the proper use of asthma medications, with many of those surveyed frequently relying on quick-relief rescue medicines to provide long-term control.
- Nearly half (42%) of those who used quick-relief medicine in the past four weeks said they used it at least three times a week – and one in four (26%) used it daily (Figure 31)
- Only 53% of those classified as having severe asthma and 63% of those with moderate asthma reported they/their child took a prescription medicine for daily maintenance therapy during the past four weeks (Figure 32); of those, 14% did not take them daily (Figure 33); 30% of respondents incorrectly named a short-acting beta-agonist as a long-term asthma control medicine (Figure 34)
|
