The effect of mold sensitivity on the clinical characteristics of adult asthmatic patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: Previous studies have showed the link between the mold sensitivity and asthma severity. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of mold sensitivity on the clinical characteristics of asthmatics. METHODS: The data was collected from patients regularly followed at least 1 year in the asthma center of a tertiary hospital. The mold sensitivity was evaluated by performing a skin prick test (SPT) with Aspergillus, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicllium in which the sensitivity to at least one accepted as mold sensitive. Comorbidities, the age at asthma diagnosis, duration of asthma, the numbers of systemic corticosteroid burst (SCB), emergency room (ER) visit and hospitalization were questioned. Asthma control status and pulmonary function test (PFT) were evaluated as a part of the routine procedure.