Asthma Control – Is there a problem?
Abstract
In 1998 the ISAAC Study reported a 12 month prevalence of self-reported asthma symptoms ranging from 7.5% to 17%.1 The prevalence of “asthma ever� was 13.3% in this group of
children (Figure 1). The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Programme was designed to compare the global prevalence of childhood asthma. A subsequent ISAAC follow-up study conducted in the same region
revealed a rise in the prevalence of asthma, with an increase in more severe asthma. What was of concern in this audit was that a diagnosis of asthma was seemingly less oftenmade (H Zar personnal communication).
The prevalence of asthma in Cape Town is thus high and asthma is a common condition. We should expectthen that it would be familiar to themedical profession and well managedand controlled.
children (Figure 1). The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Programme was designed to compare the global prevalence of childhood asthma. A subsequent ISAAC follow-up study conducted in the same region
revealed a rise in the prevalence of asthma, with an increase in more severe asthma. What was of concern in this audit was that a diagnosis of asthma was seemingly less oftenmade (H Zar personnal communication).
The prevalence of asthma in Cape Town is thus high and asthma is a common condition. We should expectthen that it would be familiar to themedical profession and well managedand controlled.