title: Alternaria-induced asthma.
abstract: Acute, severe asthma attacks can be precipitated by a variety of stimuli including exposure to aeroallergens, viral respiratory infections, pollutants, and occupational chemicals. Alternaria is a major aeroallergen in many parts of the world. Sensitivity to Alternaria has been increasingly recognized as a risk factor for the development and persistence of asthma, asthma severity, and potentially fatal asthma exacerbations. We present the case of a patient with IgE-mediated sensitivity to Alternaria who developed an acute, life-threatening asthma attack during the peak Alternaria season. We describe the aerobiology, pathophysiobiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for patients with Alternaria-induced asthma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical, Madison, Wis, USA.
authors.forename: Robert K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Jay J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Prochnau
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000391:Air Microbiology; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D000528:Alternaria / Q000276:immunology*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens