Symptoms, feelings, activities and medication use in adolescents with uncontrolled asthma: lessons learned from asthma diaries

Abstract

This study was to describe symptoms, feelings, activities and medication use reported by adolescents with uncontrolled asthma on their 24-hour asthma diaries. Adolescents with uncontrolled asthma (13-17 years, N=29) completed asthma diaries and audio-recorded symptom sounds for 24 hours. A variety of symptoms were reported, and the most frequently reported symptoms were coughing followed by wheezing. Most self-reported coughing and wheezing were verified by audio-recordings. Participants reported predominantly negative feelings and low levels of activities. High discordance between self-reports and medical records in medications was noted, raising a concern of poor treatment adherence in this vulnerable group.

Keywords: Activity; Adolescents; Emotional response; Medication adherence; Symptoms; Uncontrolled asthma.