Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the outcome of treatment following the GINA
(Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines 2006 on asthmatic patients visiting Kanthararom
Hospital, Srisaket Province. The guidelines stressed the reduction of bronchial hyperresponsiveness
and treatment of bronchospasm. A total of 128 asthmatic patients (having
340 visits) during the period January 1 to July 31, 2007 were interviewed and the peak
expiratory flow rate (PEFR) measured by experienced nurses. The patients were then
treated according to the guidelines. Of the total cases, 61.72 percent were female. The
mean age of the first asthmatic attack was 35 years. The admission rate within one year of
the interview was 30.47 percent and the incidence of acute severe symptoms (ER visit)
was 76.57 percent. The drugs used in the patients comprised inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)
35.15 percent, oral corticosteroid 5.45 percent, B2-agonist combined with corticosteroids
inhalant 18.75 percent, and ICS combined with long-acting B2-agonist 12.50 percent. These
patients made visits to the asthma clinic an average of 2.65 times in four weeks. The
results of treatment producing total asthma control were 12.94 percent, good control 30.58
percent, and poor control 56.47 percent. Since a significant number of treated cases remained
in the poorly controlled category, it is reasonable to conclude that the increased
practice of ICS may be effective in reducing ER visits and hospitalization.
