Introduction: Proper treatment of asthma patients is crucial for long-term control of the disease.
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the treatment of adult asthma patients by primary care physicians in the light of international GINA guidelines.
Material and method: The cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1852 general practitioners (GPs) who were asked to complete questionnaires on the diagnosis and treatment often consecutive patients with asthma who are under their care.
Results: Altogether 1250 GPs provided information about 10,981patients. During the entire duration of the disease 50.9% were ever treated by systemic corticosteroids. In the current treatment of asthma inhaled steroids were used in 78.8% of cases, oral steroids in 5.8%, intravenous steroids in 1.3% and intramuscular steroids in 0.7% of patients. SABA were used in 63.1% of patients, LABA in 57.1%, methylxanthine in 25.1%, leukotriene modifiers in 21.1%, anticholinergics drugs in 15.5%, cromones in 1,9%, and antihistamines in 23.1% of adult patients with asthma. In 88.8% cases LABA treatment was combined with inhaled corticosteroids. In 83.8% of cases therapeutic regimens were in line with the GINA guidelines.
Conclusions: There is a need for systematic educational activities addressed to primary care physicians.