title: [Treatment of asthma in Poland by primary care physicians--results of PulmoScreen study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Proper treatment of asthma patients is crucial for long-term control of the disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the treatment of adult asthma patients by primary care physicians in the light of international GINA guidelines.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1852 general practitioners (GPs) who were asked to complete questionnaires on the diagnosis and treatment often consecutive patients with asthma who are under their care.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Altogether 1250 GPs provided information about 10,981patients. During the entire duration of the disease 50.9% were ever treated by systemic corticosteroids. In the current treatment of asthma inhaled steroids were used in 78.8% of cases, oral steroids in 5.8%, intravenous steroids in 1.3% and intramuscular steroids in 0.7% of patients. SABA were used in 63.1% of patients, LABA in 57.1%, methylxanthine in 25.1%, leukotriene modifiers in 21.1%, anticholinergics drugs in 15.5%, cromones in 1,9%, and antihistamines in 23.1% of adult patients with asthma. In 88.8% cases LABA treatment was combined with inhaled corticosteroids. In 83.8% of cases therapeutic regimens were in line with the GINA guidelines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is a need for systematic educational activities addressed to primary care physicians.
authors.affiliation: Katedra i Zakład Epidemiologii, Slaski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach. gbrozek@sum.edu.pl
authors.forename: Grzegorz M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Brozek
authors.forename: Władysław
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pierzchała
authors.forename: Jan E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Zejda
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists