Author(s): Lisspers, Karin ; Teixeira, Pedro Miguel Silva Costa Afonso ; Blom, Coert ; Kocks, Janwillem ; Ställberg, Björn ; Price, David ; Chavannes, Niels
Date: 2016
Persistent ID: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/46252
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
[Excerpt] Introduction: Asthma has a high prevalence worldwide with a high incidence in primary care settings in many countries.1 It is by definition a variable disease with a broad spectrum of clinical phenotypes, in which management and treatment can be difficult.2–8 The aim of asthma treatment is optimal control of the disease, which according to Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines implies both symptom control and prevention of exacerbations.1 Despite several treatment options, studies show that about half of the patients have poor asthma control.2,3 When asthma is not controlled, it decreases the quality of life, increases the risk of exacerbations and premature death and is a high cost for the society.2,3 [...]
