Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution, perfume, aerosol substances, odors of paint and detergent are the most important non-specific irritants stimulating the asthmatic attack. The odors of these substances exist for long time and form the serious risk for the asthmatic patients.
This study was planned to determine the frequency of using perfume and substance containing perfume and the sensitivities to the substances among the asthmatic patients using inhaling steroid and b2-mimetic ant asthmatic drugs.
Methods: This is a descriptive study and conducted among patients who applied to the Allergic Diseases outpatient service of Gulhane Military Medical Academia in October-December 2004. 83 asthmatic patients who accepted to participate to the study filled out a questionnaire that including patients habits relating perfume, cleaners with perfume, perfume for living room, toilets and bathrooms, and having dyspnea or not when exposed any kind of perfumes and using any b2-mimetik or not.
Results: 73.5% (n=61) of participants were male, and 26.5 % (n=22) were women. Their ages were from 18 to 57 years.
79.5% (n=66) of participants expressed that they were sensitive to the odors mentioned and experienced the respiratory problems when they were at the surroundings by odour and 26.5% (n=22) of participants sometimes used the B2-mimetic antiasthmatic drugs for this reason.
On the other hand; It was found that 68.7% (n=57) of participants regularly used the perfume for themselves everyday, 85.5% (n=71) of participants washed their clothings by using cleaners and/or softeners with perfume, 44.6% (n=37) of participants used the perfume for their rooms frequently, 62.7% (n=52) of participants used substance with perfume in their toilets and bathrooms.
Conclusion: We conclude that the asthmatic patients have not sufficient knowledge about non-spesific irritants stimulating the asthmatic attack, and don’t behave sensitive.
It’s important to plan properly the medical treatments for asthmatic patients. On the other hand, the existence of the substances with odor or perfume in their living environment continually effects to their medical treatments and their health negatively, the asthmatic patients must be informed about using this kind of substances when making a treatment plan.

Key words: Asthma, perfume, detergent, bronchoconstriction

Article Language: Turkish English