Dive Brief:
- According to a new Novartis-funded survey conducted by Allergy UK, at least 60% of asthma cases are triggered by allergens, such as house dust mite and pollen, yet only 37% of people with asthma have been allergy-tested.
- Almost half of people who think that their asthma is mild to moderate have had to use oral steroids in the last 12 months. This means that their disease is not well controlled.
- Among those who characterize their asthma as well-controlled, 16% have had to take at least six days off from school or work.
Dive Insight:
The 464-person survey suggests that many people with asthma are in denial about the severity of their disease. Up to 78% of people who think their asthma is mild to moderate are using up to four inhalers per day.
Additionally, 22% of respondents had not had an asthma review for at least one year. The remedy: Patients should be allergy-tested, have an asthma review at least once a year, and be prescribed a treatment that provides better overall control.