AIRE (Asthma insights and reality in Europe) study of asthmatics in Europe

Objective. - To describe the current state of asthma treatment and control, and of patients' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour related to asthma in Europe. Methods. - A telephone survey was carried out in national probability samples of asthmatics in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Italy and Spain, in March-April 1999. Of the 73,880 households screened, 3,488 included at least one diagnosed asthmatic with current treatment and/or symptoms: 2,803 (80.4%) were interviewed (2,050 adults and parents of 753 children). Results, - Asthma control was poor: 46% of the patients had daytime symptoms and 30% had sleep disturbances, at least once a week. In the past year, 30% had emergency visits to hospital or doctors for their asthma; 17% of the adults and 43% of the children had missed work or school because of asthma. Only 23% reported current use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma, whereas 63% used quick relief medications. The patients overestimated the control of their asthma: nearly half (49%) of those with severe persistent symptoms said their asthma was well controlled. The majority (56%) of patients said that only the symptoms could be treated, not the underlying condition. Conclusion. - This study shows a dramatic gap between reality and the goals for asthma management established by international guidelines: the current state of asthma in Europe falls far short of those goals and patients do not realize it. There is a great need of increased patient education about asthma and its management. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.