Changing patterns in asthma morbidity and mortality.

Asthma morbidity and mortality have increased in many countries over the last 10 years or more. In some countries, epidemics of deaths have occurred, while others have shown gradual increases. The New Zealand National Asthma Mortality Study associated mortality with severe asthma, underassessment of severity, undertreatment with corticosteroids, overreliance on bronchodilators, discontinuity of medical care and delay in seeking help. …