Exploring the Coexistence of Chronic Conditions in Patients With Asthma: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Medical Burden

A study published in PLOS ONE examines the prevalence and medical burdens of coexisting chronic diseases in patients with asthma, finding that the number and types of comorbidities varied based on age and sex, with the highest burdens seen in patients with multiple chronic conditions and the youngest and oldest age groups. 

Although multiple chronic conditions (MCC) have been linked to adverse outcomes, most studies have focused on asthma-related diseases in patients with asthma. Therefore, these researchers aimed to examine the morbidity and health care costs associated with concurrent chronic illnesses in patients who experience asthmatic symptoms. 

National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort data from 2002 to 2013 was examined. A specific group of patients, referred to as MCC with asthma, was identified based on the presence of asthma along with one or more other chronic diseases. The analysis focused on 20 different chronic conditions, including asthma, and categorized the patients into age groups to assess the frequency of medical system utilization and associated costs, ultimately determining the medical burden related to asthma.  

The prevalence of asthma was 13.01% and the prevalence of MCC among patients with asthmatic symptoms was 36.55%. It was observed that the occurrence of MCC alongside asthma was higher in females compared to males and increased with age. Notable comorbidities linked to asthma included hypertension, dyslipidemia, arthritis, and diabetes. Additionally, females displayed higher rates of dyslipidemia, arthritis, depression, and osteoporosis, while males exhibited higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, COPD, coronary artery disease, cancer, and hepatitis.  

Older age, low income, and severe disability were identified as independent risk factors for the presence of MCC in patients with asthma. As the number of coexisting chronic conditions increased, so did the frequency of medical system use related to asthma and the associated costs. 

“Older asthma patients of low economic status were more vulnerable to MCC. The asthma burden increased with the addition of more chronic diseases,” said researchers. “Therefore, physicians providing asthma management should be aware of coexisting chronic diseases in asthma patients and endeavor to reduce morbidities in vulnerable patients.” 

Reference  

Jo EJ, Lee YU, Kim A, et al. The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions and medical burden in asthma patients. PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5): e0286004. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0286004