Questionnaire study of self reported asthma triggers: A Case Series of East – Mediterranean Syrian Patients

Abstract

Setting: Initial evaluation of asthmatic males and females, fourteen years and older at the Tishreen University Department of Internal Medicine outpatient clinic.Objectives: Asthma triggers are defined as factors reported by the patient to cause attacks or exacerbation. We speculated that it would be useful to track a pattern for triggers in our country. We anticipated the pattern would enable us to improve our care of asthmatics, enrich our asthma education program and enhance the curriculumof medical students.Methods: A questionnaire was administered prospectively by the same chestphysician. Spontaneous and subsequent directed answers were recorded. Thepercentage of patients affected by each trigger was calculated.Results: Environmental tobacco smoke and household dust were common reported triggers. Narguileh side-stream smoke and seasonal sandstorm dusts were specific regional triggers.