Treatment improves quality of life in patients with poor perception of asthma

Aim:

To find out whether symptom-free asthmatic patients with impaired lung function, improve with regard to quality of life after treatment adjustment.

Methods:

Forty-two primary care asthma patients without symptoms were divided into two groups: (A) with normal lung function (n = 22); and (B) with impaired lung function (n = 20). Lung function, symptoms and quality of life were assessed before and after a 3-month interval. In group B (but not in group A), treatment was adjusted on the first visit.

Results:

Quality of life was significantly worse in group B at visit 1 and was improved up to the same level as in group A after 3 months of treatment adjustment. Quality of life did not change in group A during the 3 months of observation. Lung function improved significantly only in group B but did not reach the same level as in group A.

Conclusion:

Adjustment of therapy improves quality of life even in patients who do not experience symptoms. Asthma treatment should therefore be guided by both symptoms and lung function.