The aim of the study was to compare physician/patient differences in the perception
of asthma. The data were obtained by questionnaires from 156 physicians and 148 asthmatics
in four urban regions in Croatia. On a »bad day«, 62% of physicians and 16% of
patients perceived respiratory symptoms with statistically significant difference. The
patients described asthma impact in terms of reduced daily activities and experienced
emotional problems. Asthma was estimated as controlled in 28% of adults and 49% of
children, nevertheless, 45% of adults and 22% of children reported respiratory symptoms.
The patients seem to be satisfied with asthma control that does not correspond to
suppression of symptoms, whereas physicians neglect patients’ emotional problems and
asthma impact on everyday life. The differences in the perception of asthma may reflect
differences in beliefs about health. Physicians see health as an absence of symptoms,
whereas patients regard being healthy as »being able«
