Quality of life can be normal for people with asthma

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A study shows that well-controlled asthma is a goal worth aiming for in terms of health status and quality of life.
Previous research suggests that both those with asthma and their carers believe that the condition inevitably limits daily activities and impairs quality of life. But this need not be so, according to new research from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. They have carried out the GOAL (Gaining Optimal Asthma Control) study to see if patients can achieve high levels, or even total, control over their condition.

They also asked participants to do a health status questionnaire with a focus on quality of life and limitations on everyday activity. This showed that those who had good or total control had normal or near normal health status. The findings are an example to those with asthma and their physicians - it is worth working towards good or total control through management of the condition. For this will minimize limitations on daily activities and preserve quality of life.

Source
European Respiratory Journal January 2007

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