Uncontrolled asthma occurs in all GINA treatment steps and is associated with worse physical health - a report from the OLIN adult asthma cohort

Objective: To study asthma exacerbations, healthcare utilization and health status among subjects with asthma with different treatment regimens and levels of asthma control. Methods: In 2012-2014, n = 1425 adults from a population-based asthma cohort within the OLIN studies (Obstructive Lung disease in Northern Sweden) were invited to a follow-up including spirometry and a structured interview, n = 1006 participated. Asthma Control Test (ACT) was used to detect uncontrolled asthma, and physical and mental dimensions of health were measured with SF-8. Pharmacological treatment use was classified by Global Initiative for Asthma treatment steps. Out of n = 830 with current asthma, n = 714 answered ACT (57% women, 32-92 years) and were included in the study. Results: Uncontrolled asthma increased per treatment step (no treatment 9.9%, treatment step 1-3 24.1%, and treatment steps 4-5 39.9%, p