Overuse of quick-relief medication among persons with active asthma

Overuse of quick-relief medication^† may indicate inadequate asthma control

Using inhaled short-acting beta2-agonist medications provides quick relief for asthma attacks. Using quick-relief medications (QRMs)† more than 2 days per week is considered overuse and may indicate inadequate asthma control and the need to initiate or intensify anti-inflammatory medications(EPR-₃^‡).

Nearly 24.3% of all adults§ and 18.7 % of all children§ with self-reported active asthma overused QRMs in the past 3 months

Percentage of Adults with Active Asthma Who Overused QRMs

Percentage of Children with Active Asthma Who Overused QRMs

The percentage of people with asthma who overused QRMs varied by state. Percentages of adults ranged from 17.1% in New Jersey to 32.4% in West Virginia. Percentages of children ranged from 10.3% in Wisconsin to 27.9% in Connecticut.

* Reported any of the following during the past year: asthma medication use, asthma symptoms, or doctor visits for asthma
† Referred to Inhaled short-acting beta2-agonists only
‡ Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR-₃): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Summary Report 2007
§ Child=Age ≤17 years, Adults=Age 18 years and older

Data Source: CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), Asthma Callback Survey, 2006–2010

Download this AsthmaStats Factsheet [PDF - 312 KB] containing additional information.

CDC’s National Asthma Control Program was created in 1999 to help the millions of people with asthma in the United States gain control over their disease. The Program conducts national asthma surveillance and provides funds to states to help improve asthma surveillance and focus efforts and resources where they are needed.