Study the pattern of bronchial asthma among outpatients clinic at Sohag and Akhmeem Chest Hospitals

BackgroundWhile asthma represents a global public health issue due to high prevalence rates in the general population, several studies now indicate that the impact on public health is even more severe due to inadequate health care or the difficulty in achieving full disease control with available therapies.Aim of the workThe aim of the present study is to evaluate the pattern, risk factors, level of control and management of bronchial asthma among outpatients clinic at Sohag and Akhmeem Chest Hospitals.Subjects and methodsThis study was conducted at Sohag and Akhmeem Chest Hospitals in the period between January 2011 and June 2011 and included 100 adult outpatients with bronchial asthma (BA) with a wide range of severity. Full history taking, thorough clinical examination, CXR, Peak expiratory flow (PEF), Asthma control test (ACT) questionnaire for all patients were done.ResultsBy using ACT, from one hundred cases of our study: 18% of cases have controlled asthma, 39% of cases have not well controlled asthma, 43% of cases have poorly controlled asthma. Tobacco smoke and infections were the most common precipitating factors to bronchial asthma. Inhalation therapy was used by 70% of the patients and MDI is the most commonly used inhalation device.ConclusionsThere is need for improved asthma care in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma, including a global evaluation of asthma control, implementation of treatment plans and asthma control tests and addressing precipitating factors.