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Asthma in Italian conscripts: a four year study.

BACKGROUND
Italian conscripts showed underdiagnosis and undertreatment of asthma in a previous 9-year study (1990-1998).


METHODS
We extended those findings in a new 4-year study (1999-2002) by screening 28,327 18-year old males referred to La Spezia Military Navy Hospital for call-up visit.


RESULTS
Asthma was diagnosed in 1,847 conscripts (6.52%). Along the observational period there was a significant decrease of mild persistent asthmatic subjects (from 39.6 to 30.1%, p < 0.01). The use of inhaled corticosteroids and antileukotrienes significantly increased. However, about one third of the asthmatic subjects did not receive any treatment at all and about 40% of asthmatic subjects showed impaired spirometry.


CONCLUSIONS
In this age, data show a partial success of educational efforts, since underdiagnosis and undertreatment are still present.