Comorbidities in the difficult asthma clinic: results from WATCH

Background: Multiple co-morbidities are associated with disease control, healthcare utilization and quality of life in difficult asthma. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of comorbidities in patients with difficult asthma in the Wessex AsThma CoHort of difficult asthma (WATCH). Methods: Our prospective observation cohort study has enrolled 380 patients with severe asthma. History of co-morbidities is collected at enrolment. Data is presented as percentages and chi squared tests were used to calculate differences between groups. Results: *p **p Conclusion: Co-morbidities are highly prevalent within the WATCH Cohort and many patients demonstrate a “difficult breathing syndrome” involving various complex physical and psychological components. These require careful consideration and addressing in the clinical management of difficult asthma. We see a high prevalence of atopy, obesity, rhinitis and GORD. We also observe a gender and age difference between conditions, particularly the psychological co-morbidities.