PATIENT EDUCATION FOR SELF-MANAGEMENT IN ACUTE ASTHMA

Most educational programs for adult asthmatic patients stress the importance of a sufficient self-management capability of the patient. The combination of respiratory therapy and education may contribute to a better perception of the obstructed ventilation and consequently to a more appropriate behavior during an asthmatic attack. Thirteen patients participated in such an interventional program, which was conducted by a physiotherapist (once in the week for 75 minutes, sixteen times). Eleven patients filled out a weekly questionnaire judging the effectiveness of the treatment. A better self-management capability was cited by most of the patients. The information about the disease and the repiratory training were considered the most relevant elements of the interventional program.