Improving Health status of bronchial asthma patients in Nuclear Materials Authority

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Asthma can result in variable restriction in the physical, emotional, and social aspects of the patient's life. Setting: out patient clinic in Nuclear materials Authority Objectives: This study was done mainly to Improve health status including symptoms and quality of life in bronchial asthma patients in Nuclear Materials Authority Method: The study was carried out on 51 subjects, they were chosen from those attendants of the out patients clinic in Nuclear Materials Authority in el Katamya in the period from January to May 2012, by measurement of lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness as supplemental tools in evaluating the efficacy of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and other controller medications in asthmatic employees. Results: the asthmatic patients were 51 patients (36 males and 15 females), their ages ranged from 27-59 (46.2±7.3) years, they weredetected from those attendants of the out patient clinic in Nuclear Materials Authority in El Katamya representing (2.1% ) of workers. 15 (29.4%) patients were smoker, and 36 (70.6%) patients never smoked, 21 patients (41.2%) were exposed to radioactive materials in their labs in the form of radioactive substances and30 patients (58.8%)patients were not exposed.19 (37.3%) patients had intermittent asthma, 11 (21.6%) patients had mild persistent asthma 9 (17.6%) patients had moderate persistent asthma and 12(23.5%) patients had sever persistent asthma. 11(21.6%) patient used long acting anti-inflammatory medications, 23 (45.1%) patients received other controller medication in the form of short acting steroids as Clenil inhaler and ketotifen as zaditen while the majority of patients received rescue medication 34(66.7%) in the form of short acting bronchodilators and oral steroids. Conclusion: Patient education, measurement of lung function and review of the treatment plan as supplemental tools in evaluating the efficacy of treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and other controller medications in asthmatic employees improve health status including symptoms and quality of life in bronchial asthma patients in Nuclear Materials Authority.