Epidemiology of acute asthma: IgE antibodies to common inhalant allergens as a risk factor for emergency room visits (original) (raw)

In recent years, the morbidity and mortality of asthma have increased, particularly among minority groups. This study examines the prevalence of IgE antibodies to common inhalant allergens in adults with acute asthma, using emergency room visits for acute airway obstruction as a marker for the disease. The findings reveal that adults younger than 50 years with asthma have a significantly higher prevalence of IgE antibodies compared to control subjects, suggesting that these antibodies serve as a major risk factor for acute asthma attacks and highlighting the need for evaluating allergen exposure in asthma management.