A retrospective survey of asthma management in hospital.
A retrospective survey of asthma admissions to general medical units during 1983 is described. 127 cases occurred, of whom 52 were males (44%). The average age was 45.2 years. Forty-eight per cent were receiving inhaled steroids or cromoglycate before admission and 16% regular oral steroids. Initial assessment seldom included peak flow measurement although these were made subsequently in 57%. No steroids were used in 32% of cases. No oxygen was given in 48% of cases and when used was usually at low flow rates. Apart from a reducing course of steroids, 46% of cases were discharged with no increase in pre-admission maintenance treatment and although follow-up was planned for 76% it was for an average 4.9 weeks later. This survey suggests a tendency to under-treatment and undersupervision of asthma patients admitted to acute general medical wards which may well be a cause of unnecessary morbidity.
Bucknall
C E
CE
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Moran
F
F
Stevenson
R D
RD
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012606:Scotland
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D004205:Cromolyn Sodium