Internet survey of childhood asthma and use of inhaled therapy in the home in Japan

Background: The aim of the present study is to undertake a survey of childhood asthma and details of the use of inhaled therapy from mothers with asthmatic children ≤15 years old, using the Internet.
Methods: This study was done on a nationwide scale in Japan during the latter half of July 2001.
Results: Responses were obtained from 748 mothers. Four hundred and three children (53.9%) had been diagnosed with asthma when ≤2 years old and 263 children (35.2%) when 2–5 years old. Three hundred and ninety-seven children (53.1%) were in remission or had mild asthma, 295 children (39.4%) had moderate asthma, and 56 (7.5%) had severe asthma. Of 563 children who required some pharmacological treatment, 266 used inhaled therapy. One hundred and forty-four children used metered-dose inhaler (MDI), 136 used powered nebulizer, and 34 used dry powder inhaler (DPI). Of children treated with inhaled sodium cromoglycate, 63 used MDI, 129 used nebulizer solution and 23 used DPI. Of children treated with inhaled corticosteroids, 43 used MDI and six used DPI. Of children using powered nebulizer, 48 were well satisfied and 76 were slightly satisfied. More than 90% of mothers commented that this form of treatment improved the quality of life both of the asthmatic children and of the family.
Conclusion: Internet survey of childhood asthma is effective, and powered nebulizer therapy may be encouraged more acceptable by infants and young children in the treatment of asthma.