FACTORS RELATED TO SEVERE ACUTE ASTHMA ATTACK AND TREATMENT

Asthma is a major public health burden that affects a large number of individuals. The prevalence of this chronic disease is very high in Bangladesh. This study is intended to understand the causes of disease and factors that contribute to its progression and to develop improved treatment strategies. The study population included severe acute attack of asthma patients admitted to National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh during October-December 2010. A questionnaire was prepared containing information of age, sex, family history, socio-economic status, food habits, allergic disorders, previous illness, smoking habit, diagnosed asthma, treatments and asthma medications used. Data were collected from a total of 100 patients of three wards in the hospital by face to face interview of patients, physicians and hospital recorded sheet over a period of three months. Out of 100 patients, 85% were male and 15% were female. The study showed 6% were below 30 years of age, 69% were ageing 30-60 years and 25% were above 60 years of age. It was found that 25% having family diseases from paternal side and 7% from maternal side. The study showed that 69%, 41% and 15% were habituated to cigarette, tea and betel leaf with tobacco leaf, respectively. All were from low socioeconomic group. Severe acute asthma attacks were initially clinically diagnosed and admitted to hospital.  Emergency medical care was provided to all by oxygen, nebulization and steroid to improve respiratory disability. None was responded to inhaler alone. Treatment was given combination drugs according to severity. However, factors like age, gender, family history, habits are very important to analyze the disease progression and for selection of proper medications.