ASTHMA IN ADOLESCENCE

We developed a questionnaire to obtain information on the problems of asthma in adolescence. The study was carried out on adolescents who have attended or still attend the Allergy Department of the Pediatric Hospital of Coimbra and the findings compared with a control group. We subjected to analysis several areas related to knowledge of the disease: its psychologic impact, its interaction with daily life, school performance, the need for special support, and parental attitude toward asthma. Sixty percent of the 360 inquiries sent were answered. The average age was 16.5 years old, and a larger number of males responded. Our findings showed that asthma is an inaccurately defined illness even in asthmatics (17%). It is considered curable by the majority in spite of its recognized chronicity and evident interference with daily routine. The level of interest in school activities is similar in both the study and control groups. Professional expections are directed at technical and university courses, which are equally sought by the two groups (77%). About one third of the adolescent asthmatics do not attend follow-up consultation, and one half have received medical care in allergy departments for an unknown period. Most of the parents are satisfied with the orientation given to their children, and their major concern is for their future.