A RETROSPECTIVE DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF ALL ADULT ASTHMATICS OF LAUTOKA EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FROM JUNE 1ST TO DECEMBER 31ST 2018

Introduction:
Asthma is the forgotten NCD in Fiji. Despite development of guidelines and clinical pathways there is still a high representation rate, high mortality and lack of awareness. This study is to document the socio – demographic statistics of adult asthmatics in a major referral hospial, document the treatment given in ED and their outcomes
Method(s):
Retrospective Descriptive study of all adult astmatic patients of Lautoka Emergency Department within a 6 month period
Results:
There were 202 patients in the study. 68%o of the patients were Fijian of Indiandescent and the rest of the 32% were Itaukei ethncity. Both groups, there were majority of females compared to males. Common age group was between 40 – 69 years of age.32 % of the asthmatics are not on inhalers at home. Most of the asthmatics presented to ED1 – 6 times during the study period. 81% of the patients who were discharged with antibiotcs did not have infective symptoms. The current asthma guideline was not adhered with 4% of the mild and moderate asthma receiving magnesium sulpfate in ED and aminophylline being given to a few asthmatics in the severe and lifethreatening category of asthma. All of the patients documented an improvement of the clinical outcomes.None of the patients was given inhalers as first line of treatment
Conclusion:
Asthma management is still not evidence based. There is still a strong nebulizer culture and needs a lot of awareness targetted at patients and health workers to improve this. Asthma needs to be recognised as a Non Communicable Disease so that policies and resources will be aloocated. There is a need for training of medical proffesionals, establishment of asthma clinics, provision of asthma action plans and education of patients on the inhaleruse, benefits and better techniques.
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