Living with severe asthma year 2016

Objective: To assess the impact of severe asthma on daily life (asthma control, activity, psychological aspects, treatment). Methods: Data were collected from 1333 adults and children (through caregivers) with severe persistent asthma in 9 countries through an online survey done by GfK on behalf of Novartis in 2016 (Table 1a). Results: Severe asthmatics were diagnosed by respiratory physicians (42%), general practitioners (30%), allergists (21%) and paediatricians (6%). On average, adults were diagnosed 15 years ago, adolescents 7 years and pediatrics 3 years ago. As per patients’ knowledge, 47% were non-allergic. A large discrepancy was seen between real-life control according to GINA guidelines (6%) and self-estimated control (42%). In the previous year, 73% of patients experienced exacerbations that required treatment from a healthcare professional (emergency room, ambulance, physician at home); 34% had ≥2 exacerbations (13%, three; 7%, four; 3%, five; 11%, more than 5). On an average, 20 days of OCS use was reported in the last 6 months. The impact on psychology and activities is shown in Table 1b. Conclusions: Although asthma control is GINA’s main goal, severe asthmatics are uncontrolled with poor quality of life as reflected in their psychological profile and everyday activities. There is a strong disconnect between perceived and actual asthma control. More action is needed to help severe asthmatics achieve control and live normal unrestricted lives.