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Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology
2008 April, Vol. XI, No. 1 (3732-3747)
THE LIMITATIONS OF SEVERE ASTMA: RESULTS OF A EUROPEAN SURVEY
M. Docrell1, M. R. Partridge2, E. Valovirta1
1 The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients‘ associations (EFA), Brussels, Belgium; 2 Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
Background. Asthma has a major impact on patients’ lives, and severe asthma is a serious problem. The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA) commissioned a telephonic survey to capture the views of people who are living with severe asthma in Europe.
Methods. A total of 1300 patients from the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden who reported a previous diagnosis of asthma and reported receiving asthma medication took part in the survey.
Results. Most of the patients reported having limitations to their lifestyles as a consequence of the symptoms of severe asthma. Almost 70% of patients reported that physical activity was restricted, 50% were restricted from having pets, 30% from taking holidays, and many felt their job prospects were limited. In addition, 50% of this population of patients were not convinced that guideline goals were being achieved, although it is not clear as to the cause of this failing. Patients indicated that they want treatments that are fast-acting, long-lasting and have minimal side effects, and they were optimistic for the development of effective therapies over the next 5 years.
Conclusions. The results of this study provide insight into haw greatly patients lives are affected by severe asthma (Allergy 2007; 62: 134–41, with permission).