Table 2

Severity and asthma management

Cases (SLTA)Matched hospital controlsCommunity comparison group
Severity
Mild14%23%36%2-150
Moderate76%66%64%2-150
Severe 9%11% 0%2-150
Pharmacological management
Inhaled β agonist98%100%99%
Oral β agonist10% 9% 3%
Other inhaled bronchodilator 3% 3% 5%
Oral theophylline44%21%2-150  6%2-160
Inhaled corticosteroids2-151
 032%26%44%
 <1000 μg35%37%
 1000–2000 μg19%20%56%
 >2000 μg13%16%
Cromolyn 0%0% 6%
Possession of:
Peak flow meter83%81%
Written action plan59%48%
Oral corticosteroid supply39%45%
Nebuliser35%26%
Inhaler technique checked (last year)54%46%
GP measured PEF84%78%
See doctor other than GP for asthma 6%10%
  • PEF = peak expiratory flow.

  • 2-150 p<0.05,

  • 2-160 p<0.01 compared with cases.

  • 2-151 Inhaled corticosteroids are expressed as μg beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) or BDP equivalent.