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Underdiagnosis and Undertreatment of Asthma: A 9-Year Study of Italian Conscripts

2001; Karger Publishers; Volume: 125; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1159/000053818

1423-0097

Giorgio Ciprandi, Andrea Vizzaccaro, Ignazio Cirillo, Mariangela Tosca, Giovanni Passalacqua, Giorgio Walter Canonica,

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

<i>Background:</i> During the last 20 years, the epidemiology of asthma has been investigated in various populations, thus providing interesting data including the accuracy of diagnosis and the adequacy of treatment.<i> Methods: </i>We studied for 9 years the epidemiological features of asthma in a homogeneous population of 18-year-old males referred to La Spezia Military Navy Hospital for a call-up visit (conscripts). <i>Results: </i>During the period of 1990–1998, 91,700 men were screened at their call-up visit; out of them 5,371 (7%) had asthma, but in 7.4% the disease had not been previously diagnosed. During the observation period there was a significant decrease of the level III severity of asthma, but about one quarter of the asthmatic subjects received no treatment at all. On the other hand, a significant increase in the prescription of inhaled steroids was observed. <i>Conclusion:</i> Despite educational efforts, a not negligible underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of asthma in young adults still persist.