Perceptions About Self-Management Among People with Severe Asthma

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions about self-management among people who were being followed up in a severe asthma clinic by asthma specialists for confirmed, overall severe asthma. Such insight informs how best to tailor programs for this difficult to treat patient population. Method. In-depth tape-recorded interviews of eight adults with severe asthma were transcribed and analyzed for salient themes using content analysis. Results. To self-manage their illness, over time participants sought asthma information from a variety of sources that they often viewed as inadequate due to lack of scope and or plain language. The most valued sources of asthma information were encountered after referral to an asthma specialist and were health professionals and a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Conclusion. There is a need to examine the content of asthma information sources for their relevance to and influence on the behavior of patients with severe asthma.

Notes

1 A definitive diagnosis of severe asthma is confirmed only after an assessment and optimization period during which time other medical conditions and comorbidities (e.g., gastroesophageal reflux disease, allergic rhinitis, chronic infections, obstructive sleep apnea, psychiatric illness) and other possible contributing factors (environmental exposures, adherence, and inhalation technique) are evaluated and appropriate treatment is provided in an interdisciplinary clinic (4).

2 Severe asthma is defined by the need for high-intensity treatment to achieve the best level of asthma control (44). There are two categories: (1) the need for high inhaled corticosteroids or systemic steroids to maintain good disease control; or (2) persistent symptoms, asthma exacerbations, or airflow obstruction despite high medication use.