Who is dying of asthma and why?
Recognition of the high rates of mortality from asthma over the past 20 years has spurred greater efforts to prevent death from this potentially controllable pulmonary process. Some suggest that inadequate assessment and delayed treatment account for this epidemic of asthma fatalities. Both the natural progression of this condition and the risk factors are discussed. Once patients at greatest risk have been identified and the pattern of episodes has been analyzed, clinicians can carry out "reversibility trials" using a variety of management techniques to optimize lung function. This program will allow an appropriate and individualized treatment plan to be formulated, with steps taken to ensure compliance and to carry out diligent follow-up.
Lanier
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Department of Family Practice, University of Texas, Dallas.
D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors