Asthma Control in Children: The Relevance of Adherence to Treatment and Following Guidelines

Abstract

Background: Asthma control is the goal of managing patients with asthma. However, half of asthmatic patients have partially or uncontrolled asthma. The present study investigated possible factors associated with asthma control over time in children. Methods: The study included children with partially controlled asthma and visited in July (a month characterized by negligible allergen exposure, scarce respiratory infections, and schools closing). Children were evaluated for three consecutive years. Clinical and functional parameters and asthma control grade were measured over time. Results: The study enrolled 37 children (12 females and 25 males; mean age 10.6 years). At the second follow-up, 30 (81.1%) children improved asthma control, such as they had controlled asthma, 5 (13.5%) did not have asthma control changes, and two (5.4%) worsened, such as they had uncontrolled asthma. No possible factor was associated with asthma control changes except the treatment adherence rate. Children with persistent partially controlled asthma or uncontrolled at the second follow-up had poor adherence to treatment rate. Conclusions: Asthma control requires careful management involving the application of guidelines and the closest involvement of the child and family to ensure adequate adherence to prescribed therapy.