Zafar Hussain Iqbal, Amer Saleem.
A local experience of bronchial asthma.
J Allama Iqbal Med Coll Jan ;7(4):64-64.

Objective: Study was carried out to assess different clinical aspects of bronchial asthma in our local population. Material & Methods: Five hundred asthmatics who presented to the outpatient clinic of pulmonology department, Jinnah Hospital Lahore were included in this study. Study was conducted from November 2006 to November 2009. This is an observational study. Results: Incidence and morbidity from this disease is rising both in developed as well as in developing countries particularly in their urbanized areas. Prevalence of bronchial asthma is very variable. In our present study, the youngest patient was of 4 years of age and the oldest was of 85 years. Majority of the patients were in 30 – 50 years (60%), which is the most productive age group. Out of these 500 about 49% were male and 51% were females. Twenty percent were from high socio-economic class, 55% were from middle class while 25% of the patients belonged to lower socio-economic class. Regarding their habitat, 70% were from urban area while 30% were from rural areas. Cough, breathlessness and wheezing were main symptoms at presentation i.e. 90%, 90%, and 85% respectively. About 48% patients also had postnasal drip, 30% of patients gave the history of rhinitis and 5% had skin allergies. Out of these 500 patients 65% were non-smokers, 20% were current smokers and 15% were ex-smoker. Cold air, dust and exercise were common aggravating factors. Family history of asthma was present in 52% of cases. Regarding treatment, at presentation, 20% were not getting any treatment and were diagnosed asthmatic for the 1st time. Majority of patients were using oral beta-2 agonist (50%). Only 30% of patients were using inhalers. Conclusion: Upper respiratory symptoms are usually associated with asthma. Bronchial asthma is precipitated by common environmental factors like dust and cold air etc. As far as management of asthma is concerned, primary care doctors are not treating it properly and also compliance of patients is not very good. We definitely need to improve our ways of managing asthma, particularly according to specific international guidelines and Pakistan chest society (PCS) guidelines. Most of the people in our setup are reluctant to the use of inhalers.

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