Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma: a 9-year study of Italian conscripts.
BACKGROUND
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.


METHODS
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).


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite educational efforts, a not negligible underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment of asthma in young adults still persist.
Ciprandi
G
G
Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, DIMI, University of Genoa, Italy. giocip@unige.it
Vizzaccaro
A
A
Cirillo
I
I
Tosca
M
M
Passalacqua
G
G
Canonica
G W
GW
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones