AIR CURRENTS

MARCH/APRIL 1983 Improving Communication About Respiratory Disease  Vol. 4,
No.2 

The American Asthma Report II

Four years ago, Allen & Hanburys conducted a national survey on asthma and 
called it The American Asthma Report.  It was the findings of this initial 
survey that highlighted the need for increased public and patient awareness 
about asthma and other respiratory conditions.  As a result, the Allen & 
Hanburys Respiratory Institute (AHR) was formed, and The American Asthma
Report became the cover story of the first Air Currents published by AHRI.

Last year, a follow-up survey was conducted. The findings are now published in 
The American Asthma Report II  and will be the topic of articles to appear in 
Air Currents throughout 1993.

The survey was based on random telephone interviews with 1,200 adults in the 
general public and with 400 adult asthma patients from a geographically
weighted sample.  The 400 adult asthma patients were drawn from the data base
for  Air Currents.

Survey Highlights

Knowledge About Asthma

The American Asthma Report II finding confirmed National Center for Health 
Statistics (NCHS) data revealing that approximately 5% of all American adults 
have asthma.  Although 61% of American adults know someone with asthma, 
misconceptions about the disease are prevalent.

According to the report, findings from the general public survey included the 
following:

* 28% believe "asthma is an emotional or psychological illness."
* 19% think "asthma patients need treatment only during an attack."
* 18% feel "people with asthma are usually weak and frail."
* 16% think "asthma is basically a children's disease."
* 57% believe "asthma leads to more serious diseases like emphysema."
* 51% think "people with asthma should avoid strenuous exercise."

Asthma Symptoms and Triggers

Both the general public and asthma patient respondents were asked to rate 15 
possible items that provoke or trigger asthma symptoms.  Cigarette smoke:" 
topped the list for both groups with 81% of the public and 88% of the asthma  
patients citing it as a major cause in provoking or aggravating existing
asthma conditions.  "Air pollution" was cited as the second overall trigger,
followed by "pollen," "respiratory colds," "chemicals," and "animal
dander/hair."

The next issue of Air Currents will feature a discussion of The American
Asthma 
Report II and its findings on the top five warning signs of asthma and
attitudes about asthma.

Adapted from The American Asthma Report produced by Allen & Hanburys,
Divisions of Glaxo Inc., 1992.

Asthma Symptom Triggers and Aggravating Factors
(Percent Citing as a "Major Cause")

Cigarette smoke     81%/86%
Air Pollution   79%/83%
Pollen    74%/83%
Respiratory Colds   67%/84%
Chemicals  61%/73%
Animal Dander/Hair  60%/76%
Prolonged stress  47%/56% 
Emotional Upset  41%/48%
Damp Air  31%/47%
Cold Air 23%/56%
High Attitudes  32%/28%
Food Additives  18%/43%
Exercise  18%/36%
Dry Air  17%/17%
Dairy Products  14%/26%         General Public
                                Asthma patients



















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