Quality of life and clinical symptoms in asthmatic subjects

Objective: Quality of Life (QoL) measurements are more responsive to clinically significant changes than conventional clinical measures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between asthma symptoms and QoL in asthmatic patients. Methods: A total of 277 asthmatics subjects, divided into three groups showing different symptoms, underwent complete clinical evaluation, baseline respiratory function, and methacholine challenge test and completed an Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). Results: One hundred and forty-five subjects with asthmatic crisis, chest tightness, and dyspnea (group 3) reported a significantly lower median value in single domains and all items compared to the values scored by the 97 subjects with wheezing, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis (group 2) (p < 0.01). No statistical significance was found between the 35 patients of group I (with only cough) and group 3. Conclusions: The main advantage for the clinician is to evaluate important areas in which QoL could be improved and the possibility to correct and optimize compliance to chronic therapy.