BACKGROUND: Traditional assessment of asthma severity has been based on symptoms reported by patients, findings on physical examination, and pulmonary function measures. Newer measurements evaluate the quality of life of asthma patients. We attempted to assess the effect of allergy specialty care on the quality of life of asthmatic patients. METHODS: A validated asthma quality of life questionnaire was administered prospectively to patients with asthma on their first visit to our clinic; a second questionnaire was given a few months later. All patients had been under the care of a primary physician prior to coming to our office. RESULTS: The paired questionnaires were analyzed and showed improvement in the asthma quality of life. The total scores improved from 28.1 to 21.6 (P = 1.5 X 10(-5), the breathlessness score from 8.7 to 5.9 (P = 7.3 X 10(-8), the mood scores from 6.4 to 4.6 (P = 1.1 X 10(-5). The social concerns from 4.5 to 3.9 (P = .08) and the concern for health from 8.4 to 7.1 (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This is further evidence that allergy specialty care improves asthma quality of life over primary care treatment.
BACKGROUND: Traditional assessment of asthma severity has been based on symptoms reported by patients, findings on physical examination, and pulmonary function measures. Newer measurements evaluate the quality of life of asthmapatients. We attempted to assess the effect of allergy specialty care on the quality of life of asthmatic patients. METHODS: A validated asthma quality of life questionnaire was administered prospectively to patients with asthma on their first visit to our clinic; a second questionnaire was given a few months later. All patients had been under the care of a primary physician prior to coming to our office. RESULTS: The paired questionnaires were analyzed and showed improvement in the asthma quality of life. The total scores improved from 28.1 to 21.6 (P = 1.5 X 10(-5), the breathlessness score from 8.7 to 5.9 (P = 7.3 X 10(-8), the mood scores from 6.4 to 4.6 (P = 1.1 X 10(-5). The social concerns from 4.5 to 3.9 (P = .08) and the concern for health from 8.4 to 7.1 (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: This is further evidence that allergy specialty care improves asthma quality of life over primary care treatment.
Authors: Sara Erickson; Irina Tolstykh; Joe V Selby; Guillermo Mendoza; Carlos Iribarren; Mark D Eisner Journal: Health Serv Res Date: 2005-10 Impact factor: 3.402
Authors: Elizabeth P Lowery; Paul K Henneberger; Richard Rosiello; Susan R Sama; Peggy Preusse; Don K Milton Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2007-10-24 Impact factor: 4.147