Inadequate attention given to the management of asthma and ways of improving treatment could be a significant factor for the increase morbidity and mortality from asthma despite major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. There seems to be paucity of data concerning the management pattern and burden of asthma in Africa. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, management pattern and the burden of asthma.
This study was a cross sectional design involving clinical and lung function assessment. The diagnosis of asthma was made using the clinical features of asthma and lung function parameters (Forced expiratory volume in one second, Peak expiratory flow rate, Reversibility tests). Totally, 120 asthma patients participated in this study. All subjects completed the clinical asthma control questionnaires. All items were rated with the calculation of their mean and percentages. Student t-test was used to calculate the difference between the mean of the lung function tests for subjects and control.
The prevalence of asthma among respiratory unit patients was 6.6% and higher in the first three decades of life with female preponderance (F:M=1.5-1).There is a strong family history of asthma(81.7%). Associated allergies include rhinitis (75%), pharyngitis (54%), conjunctivitis (54%) and dermatitis (30%). Percentage of asthma patients treated with bronchodilators alone (70%), combined inhaled bronchodilators and steroid (28.3%). Impaired daily activities include sports (84%), Job career (60%), Physical activity (55%), Social activity (54%), Household chores (61%), Disturbed sleep (53%), Daytime symptoms (51%), Hospitalized(50%). Subjects had significant low lung function values when compared with control (P < 0.05). The burden of asthma is very high despite the advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology and management of asthma.