Asthma in Italian conscripts: a four year study.
BACKGROUND
Italian conscripts showed underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma in a previous 9-year study (1990-1998).


METHODS
We extended those findings in a new 4-year study (1999-2002) by screening 28,327 18-year old males referred to La Spezia Military Navy Hospital for call-up visit.


RESULTS
Asthma was diagnosed in 1,847 conscripts (6.52%). Along the observational period there was a significant decrease of mild persistent asthmatic subjects (from 39.6 to 30.1%, p < 0.01). The use of inhaled corticosteroids and antileukotrienes significantly increased. However, about one third of the asthmatic subjects did not receive any treatment at all and about 40% of asthmatic subjects showed impaired spirometry.


CONCLUSIONS
In this age, data show a partial success of educational efforts, since underdiagnosis and undertreatment are still present.
Vizzaccaro
Andrea
A
Navy Hospital, La Spezia, Allergy & ENT Unit, Head-Neck Department, San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
Cirillo
Ignazio
I
Tosca
Maria Angela
MA
Milanese
Manlio
M
Ciprandi
Giorgio
G
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists