Abstract

GONCALVES, André Filipe dos Santos. Asthma treatment adherence. Rev Port Pneumol [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.1, pp.117-131. ISSN 0873-2159.

Asthma is a very prevalent chronic disease in the general population, characterized by reversible obstruction of respiratory airways. Multiple studies demonstrate an improper control of the disease, and one of the main reasons for that is reduced adherence to treatment. Non-adherence can be classified as non intentional or intentional, and the causes can be related to the motivations, beliefs and knowledge of the patient or due to the therapeutic regimen. The reasons for non-adherence are non-comprehension of the treatment goals; non-comprehension of disease severity; fears related to drugs; psychological conditions such as depression; complexity of treatment regimen; difficulties with administration route, mainly inhaler. After recognizing these issues as cause of non-adherence, different approaches should be considered: set up a good physician -patient communication; promote asthma education; schedule regular appointments; simplify therapeutic regimen. It is important to promote adherence to achieve a good asthma control, and consequently a better quality of life and reduction of asthma associated costs.

Keywords : Asthma; treatment; adherence.

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