Continuing discrepancy between patient perception of asthma control and real-world symptoms: a quantitative online survey of 1,083 adults with asthma from the UK

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified a discrepancy between patient perception of asthma control and real-world symptoms; despite several hypotheses, the reasons remain unclear. AIMS: To explore patients' experiences of asthma symptoms and disease management and their educational needs in the UK; to assess recent progress in asthma control and management. METHODS: A quantitative questionnaire-based online survey of UK patients aged ≥18 years with self-reported asthma. RESULTS: Of the 1,083 individuals (55% female, 49% aged ≥55 years) who completed the survey, 79% described their asthma control as ‘good’ or ‘very good’. Despite this, in the previous 2 years, 65% had experienced ‘frequent’ day-time symptoms, 37% had ‘frequent’ night-time symptoms, and 25% had used oral steroids for asthma; 41% of those prescribed a reliever inhaler used it ≥1 a day. Overall, 76% had a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ relationship with their healthcare professional (HCP); 32% had not attended regular asthma reviews and only 12% were using a personal asthma action plan. Moreover, 70% of respondents felt that they had the ‘main responsibility’ for managing their asthma; 29% believed this responsibility to be shared with their HCP. CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates a continuing discrepancy between patient perception of asthma control and real-world symptoms, with little change from previous studies. Many patients accept symptoms as the norm. The diversity among respondents' attitudes demonstrates a need to help patients change some of their beliefs and understanding about asthma, and to improve asthma management with better education about the understanding of control for patients and HCPs.