The Relationship of Asthma Control with Body Sensation and Symptom Expression in Asthma Patients
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Objective: Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by persistent airway inflam- mation, even though symptoms appear episodically. Chronic inflammation in the airways leads to bronchial obstruction, edema, remodeling, and mucus hypersecre- tion. Disease control in asthma patients is evaluated using respiratory function tests and scales. This study investigated the relationship between asthma control and quality of life with excessive body sensation and the adequacy of symptom expres- sion in asthma patients. Material and Methods: The Asthma Control Test (ACT), SF-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), Body Sensation Questionnaire (BSQ), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS- 20) were administered to patients followed up with a diagnosis of asthma. The study group consisted of outpatients diagnosed with asthma in a stable period. The scales were applied to each patient once during outpatient control, and the relationships among them were investigated. Results: Sixty patients were included in the study. A significant correlation was found between the Asthma Control Test and SF-36 quality of life scores. An inverse corre- lation was found between the Body Sensation Questionnaire and the Asthma Control Test (p=0.011, r=–0.327). According to the control of asthma; Body Sensation Ques- tionnaire scores were 14.0±9.07 in full control and 14.40±13.63 in partial control, while it was significantly 21.95±11.07 (p<0.05) in uncontrolled patients. It has been shown that individuals with a high BSQ score use a higher rate of reliever inhalers. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that exaggerated symptom perception could decrease Asthma Control Test scores and lead to increased medication use. It is necessary to identify new methods and increase objectivity in the evaluation to pro- vide symptom control.