Asthma control in the US appears to be suboptimal. So states a recent study printed in The Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology. The study was “aimed to explore broad patterns of asthma prevalence, self-reported medication use, and indicators of control in a sample of patients representative of the US asthma patient population. “ The study analyzed the responses of 102,544 individuals of the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey combined years of 2008-2010. “About half of these patients used a quick-relief inhaler for asthma symptoms and 15% used more than 3 inhalers of this type in the past 3 months. Of this group, 60% were using daily control medications, whereas 28% had never used long-term control medication. Of those who had a recent exacerbation, 29% were using daily controller medication, whereas 54% had never used a long-term control medication. “

What does this all mean? Far too many patients have poorly controlled asthma. Persistent asthma causes daily inflammation and therefore requires daily medication. It is a chronic disease that varies over time, depending upon each individual. This means that the dosage of medication used to control your asthma must be monitored every four to six months to achieve and maintain asthma control. Do not assume you can decrease your dosage or stop taking your medications because you do not have symptoms. The purpose of your medications is to keep you symptom free. If you feel your medication should be decreased, make an appointment so we can help you find the right balance. We are here to help!

Patients do not need to suffer but need to thrive!

Happy Breathing!

Rachel