How to Cite
Abstract
Background: To assess clinical practice in the light of
GINA guidelines and to identify and rectify areas of
weaknesses in current clinical practice so as to provide
GINA guidelines described standard of care to our
patients.
Methods: In this descriptive study 50 consecutive
asthma patients were audited prospectively.Patient
demographics were recorded. Every patient underwent
detailed clinical evaluation as well as objective assessment
by spirometry.
Results: The mean age was 43 years with female
predominance (66%). Fifty eight percent had a family
history of asthma and 90% belonged to lower middle and
lower classes. Diagnosis of asthma was made on clinical
grounds in 90% and only 10% of patients had objective
confirmation of asthma by spirometry. Fifty two percent of
the patients were on suboptimal treatment according to
disease severity and only 30% had correct inhaler
technique. Only 40% were compliant with the prescribed
treatment and only 36% had good control of asthma.
Conclusion: Discrepancy in the theoretical instructions
(GINA guidelines) and the clinical practice was observed
in our setting. Majority of patients were on sub-optimal
treatment with incorrect inhaler technique leading to poor
asthma control.