Clinical, Functional and Inflammatory Evaluation in Asthmatic Patients After a Simple Short-Term Educational Program

IG patients were submitted to three 30-minutes intervention of a individualized shortterm educational program delivered by a nurse, were given explanations about general aspects of the disease, prevention methods and about the importance and correct use of inhaled corticosteroids, with an educational video showing the use of the device

All participants performed induced sputum collection

All participants performed spirometry test using a Koko spirometer. Pulmonary function was assessed by spirometry prebronchodilator, after withholding short-acting beta-agonists for ≥ 6 hours and long-acting beta-agonist for ≥ 24hours. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted was used as a proxy variable for overall lung function.

All participants performed nitric oxide measure in three Mylar bags and measure was performed in a NOA280 Sievers equipment. For collection the patients blew in the balloons through a sterile nozzle in the equipment collector without prejudice or damage to the patient.

All participants answered standardized questionnaires about asthma symptoms and depression: Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Quality Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

All participants were instructed to note in the morning and evening before the use of routine inhaled corticosteroids, asthma symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, use of emergency inhaled corticosteroids) and three measures of peak expiratory flow (individual, provided to patients) and to return this completed diary at each study visit

All participants registered three peak flow measures in the symptoms diary by morning and night before the use of routine inhaled corticosteroids. Peak flow was measured by the electronic peak flow meter (Mini-Wright).

Exhaled breath condensate was collect during 15 to 20 minutes in a Turbo DECCS equipment (Medivac SRL, Italy) in a sterile buccal of the own apparatus with the aid of a nasal clip with the participant breathing normally without any effort or damage.