PATTERN OF ADULT ASTHMA IN DISTRICT DERA ISMAIL KHAN

Background: Asthma is a chronic allergic respiratory disease. The frequency and severity of asthma is rising in the developing countries. Severe asthma causes great morbidity and mortality affecting the quality of life of patients and their families. The objective of this study was to find the risk factors of asthma and their frequency and distribution in adults in District Dera Ismail Khan. Material & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D. I. Khan, Pakistan from March 16, 2015 to August 15, 2015. A sample of 200 subjects was selected by consecutive non probability technique. Results: Among 200 patients 123(61%) were males and 67 (39%) were females. Total number of asthmatics in age group of 20-29 years were 94 ( 47%), 30-39years were 40(20%), 40-49 years were 20(10%), 50-59 years were 23(11%), 60-69 years were 11(6%), 70-80 years were 12(6%)asthmatic. Further regarding residence 114(57%) were from urban areas and 86(43%) were from rural areas. Conclusions: As it is clear from our results that asthma is mainly found in the age group of 20-29 years. Most of our respondents are students. Males are more vulnerable to get asthma than female. So health care planners should focus on adult asthma patients generally and this vulnerable group especially.