Asthma deaths: are they preventable?
Asthma deaths have increased 11% between 1979 and 1982. Asthma is not a terminal condition; therefore, by definition, many of these deaths are preventable. A literature survey indicates the major causes of death from asthma to be four: 1) delays in getting/receiving appropriate care, 2) medication misuse, underuse, overuse, interaction and toxic effects, 3) receiving inappropriate care: sedation, insufficient corticosteroids, and 4) other risk factors: nocturnal asthma/morning dippers, labile and hyperresponsive airways, and infection among others. Several possible preventive measures are discussed.
Hindi-Alexander
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Allergy Division, Buffalo General Hospital, New York 14203.
Middleton
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D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents