Present status of asthma management in Japan

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of asthma has been increasing in Japan, like in other parts of the world. Asthma management guidelines were developed in Japan in 1993 and 1998. These guidelines have been shown to contribute to the improvement of asthma management in Japan. Most allergists know the guidelines and make use of them. However, only half the non-specialists surveyed knew the guidelines in 1996–97, although the awareness of the guidelines increased over the next 3 years. Further efforts are required to implement the guidelines widely