What is a significant risk factor for asthma-related death?

A lack of a written asthma action plan is recognized as a significant risk factor for asthma-related death because it directly impacts a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. A written asthma action plan provides clear guidelines for patients on how to recognize worsening symptoms, the steps to take during an exacerbation, and when to seek emergency care. Without this plan, patients may not adequately respond to increased symptoms or may fail to take necessary preventive measures, leading to more severe asthma attacks. Additionally, the absence of an action plan reflects a broader issue of insufficient asthma management and education, which can contribute to poor outcomes, including the risk of fatal asthma episodes.

Regular use of a rescue inhaler might indicate poor asthma control, but it does not inherently imply a lack of planning or prevention strategies. Weekly symptoms of asthma suggest that a patient is not well-controlled, but it is the absence of structured guidelines, like those found in a written action plan, that significantly increases the risk of severe complications. Infrequent use of inhaled corticosteroids may factor into asthma control; however, it does not have the same direct correlation to death risk as the lack of a proactive management plan does.