Identifying future risk factors of uncontrolled asthma control: the TAAR study perspective

Abstract

Objective: Risk factors associated with asthma symptom control is crucial for disease management. This study aimed to determine the risk factors of patients with uncontrolled asthma and to examine the relationship with their geographical patterns. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 36 centers across Turkey. Future risk factors (FRFs) such as exposure to triggers/allergens and inadequate or poor inhalation technique, etc., were identified based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines. The associations between FRFs and demographic and clinical characteristics, geographical regions, and levels of asthma control were analyzed. Results: The study included 2,053 adult asthma patients. At least one FRF was identified in 1576(76.8%) patients. The most common FRFs were exposure to allergens/triggers (n: 664; 32.3%), impaired asthma symptom control (n: 540; 26.3%), and eosinophilia (n: 526; 25.6%). Regarding regional differences, the most prevalent FRFs in the Marmara region were exposure to allergens/triggers and frequent use of short-acting beta-2 agonists (>3 boxes/year). In contrast, eosinophilia was more common in the Southeastern region, while inadequate or poor inhalation technique, noncompliance with treatment, and psychosocial or socioeconomic problems were more frequently observed in the Eastern Anatolia region. Asthma control was achieved in 79.5% of patients without any FRFs; however, this rate decreased significantly to 25% among patients with more than four FRFs. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that FRFs in asthma vary according to demographic and disease characteristics, as well as geographical distribution. An increased number of FRFs was associated with asthma control. However, an individualized approach remains essential for achieving optimal asthma management.