All 39 adult asthma admissions to Kaitaia Hospital in 1983 were surveyed. Of 15 patients treated by a doctor prior to admission, only one received treatment likely to abort the attack. Twenty-four patients were supposed to be taking beclomethasone or cromoglycate but only six were taking it regularly with an adequate inhaler technique. The possibility of erratic use of beclomethasone being a contributing factor in the high mortality from asthma in New Zealand is raised. Of 15 patients not taking beclomethasone or cromoglycate, 10 gave a history suggesting they could have benefited from such medication. Twenty-eight of the admissions were thought to have been potentially preventable.
