Asthma deaths: are they preventable?

Asthma deaths have increased 11% between 1979 and 1982. Asthma is not a terminal condition; therefore, by definition, many of these deaths are preventable. A literature survey indicates the major causes of death from asthma to be four: 1) delays in getting/receiving appropriate care, 2) medication misuse, underuse, overuse, interaction and toxic effects, 3) receiving inappropriate care: sedation, insufficient corticosteroids, and 4) other risk factors: nocturnal asthma/morning dippers, labile and hyperresponsive airways, and infection among others. Several possible preventive measures are discussed.