Hyperreactive airway disease in adults Data from a national study in Lebanon

ABSTRACT

Background: Asthma and hyperreactive airway [HRA] disease are a major cause of health resource utilization and poor quality of life worldwide; its prevalence in adults may widely vary according to the definition used. It is mainly a childhood disease, but its natural history till adulthood is not well known. This is due to other confounding factors such as smoking and environmental factors that may lead to misdiagnose asthma as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Correct and timely diagnosis of asthma and HRA is important because it can be treated successfully and affected individuals may achieve good control of their disease