It is unclear why asthma is on the rise, although researchers are investigating possible causes. These include everything from air pollution to allergies to dust, cockroaches, and pets, to airway irritants such as respiratory viruses and exposure to cigarette smoke, to a decline in minor infectious diseases that might keep the immune system in tune. The number of emergency room visits for asthma has increased to about 1.8 million cases annually, even though improved treatments are available to treat the disease. Clearly some people who need treatment are not getting the best available. Some may not yet be diagnosed, but often the problem is that a patient does not abide by the treatment program and does not monitor symptoms diligently.
Successful treatment requires the informed and direct participation of the patient.
The patient must have the knowledge to carry out the treatment plan at home, at work or school. This is why patient education is an essential component of asthma management. Monitoring of symptoms may lead to adjustments in medication. The patient must be able to monitor the status of the disease, to reduce environmental exposure to allergens and irritants, and to recognize when an asthma episode is worsening and requires that the patient take medication and seek medical care without delay. The best treatment program in the world is of no use if the patient will not stick with it.