The researchers found significantly fewer children with asthma aged 3 to 5 years were dispensed any controller medication than older children. Among children dispensed six or more beta-agonists, only 39 percent also received five or more controller dispensings, with adolescents significantly less likely than younger children to receive five or more controllers. Significant differences were seen among managed care organizations in proportions of patients dispensed controller medication.
Adolescents are at particular risk for suboptimal asthma management.
Clinicians also need to be aware of potential sex differences in asthma management. Organizations and clinicians need to focus on strategies that encourage greater medication adherence with regular maintenance asthma therapy among patients and families. According to background information cited in the article, significant increases in a number of countries in the use of anti-inflammatory therapy, principally inhaled corticosteroids, have been associated with reductions in asthma morbidity and death. Co-author Dr. Fuhlbrigge is supported by a Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.