Bronchospasm

Question 1

List the factors that may have contributed to an increased prevalence of asthma in developed countries in the last 20 years

Answer 1

Better identification of cases influenced by targets for asthma management in primary care

The Hygiene Hypothesis a cleaner environment associated with increased rates of allergy associated asthma

Obesity; increases an individuals risk due to altered airway mechanics and chronic inflammatory state

Urbanisation

Asthma development following survival from premature birth

Increased use of drugs such as beta blockers, NSAIDs and aspirin