ABSTRACT
Asthma is a disease which, because of its prevalence, cross-spectrum of symptoms, and availability of therapies, lends itself well to primary care management.
Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms in primary care are very common. In both children and adults, the UK has among the highest prevalence of asthma symptoms in the world. In England and Wales, almost one third (31%) of the population consult their primary care provider each year with such symptoms, in comparison with 15% complaining of musculoskeletal disorders, or 9% with cardiovascular disease (156, 157). Many of these patients will be suffering from asthma.
