Factors associated with asthma control

The aim of this study was to evaluate which factors are associated with asthma control experienced by asthma patients. In a cross-sectional study patients aged 16-60 years with mild to moderate asthma were selected. The influence of the following factors on asthma control was studied in a multivariate model: age, gender, socioeconomic status, smoking, perceived hyperresponsiveness (PHR, responding with asthma symptoms to one or more triggers), allergy (Phadiatop(R)), long-acting bronchodilating agents, and inhaled corticosteroids. Asthma control was measured by means of the Asthma Control Questionnaire(C) (ACQ) as developed by Juniper. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) was measured by means of a portable spirometer. In this study with 311 patients, mean ACQ score was 1.39 (range 0-4.43). A stepwise backward linear regression analysis showed that low socioeconomic status (beta 0.425; p = 0.001), current smoking (beta 0.555; p < 0.001), high dose of inhaled corticosteroids (beta 0.364; p = 0.04) and perceived hyperresponsiveness for increasing number of different triggers (PHR for 1 trigger beta 0.833; p = 0.03; 2 triggers beta 0.810; p = 0.03; 3 triggers beta 0.995; p = 0.01; 4 triggers beta 1.131; p = 0.002; 5 triggers beta 1.182; p = 0.002) are independent predictors for poorer asthma control. Beside treatment with medication, stopping smoking and avoidance of triggers are factors, which may have a high impact on asthma control.