A survey by the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) confirms that asthma and allergies disrupt daily lives, not only for patients but their families as well. The findings have been published in Allergy & Asthma Today and are available on the AANMA Web site.

The online survey of 409 people looked at how asthma impacts patients and their families. The results showed that 43% made at least one trip to the emergency department; 19% had one or more hospitalizations; and 15% experienced a near-fatal asthma episode over the past year. In addition, while guidelines say all patients with asthma should have a written asthma action plan, 37% do not have one.

The survey also asked participants about challenges they may face in coping with their asthma. Some reported facing multiple challenges, while others listed only one, including inability to pay for medications; problems getting prescriptions filled with the drug prescribed by the physician; too many missed school and work days; and frustration that family, teachers, or co-workers often do not understand that asthma is serious or what their family is going through.

“Survey results show we have a long way to go to transform asthma care and create a better future for generations of people with asthma,” says Nancy Sander, president and founder of AANMA. “Proven best practices such as completion of a proactive asthma action plan are still not widely adopted, and uncertainty is a major force in the lives of patients and their families.”

Source: Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics