title: Is allergic sensitization relevant in severe asthma? Which allergens may be culprit?
abstract: Severe asthma is a major health concern. The allergic (IgE-mediated) form of asthma is well known from a pathogenic viewpoint. We searched the available literature to identify which allergens are most frequently associated with severe, refractory or life threatening asthma. According to the results, molds, pet dander, cockroach and ragweed were more frequently responsible for severe asthma. Thunderstorm asthma, in addition, represents a special association between allergic sensitization and an external climatic factor. A detailed knowledge of the most harmful allergens is mandatory for an appropriate diagnostic and preventive approach.
authors.affiliation: Departmental Unit of Allergology- Clinical Immunology, and Respiratory Diseases, Fondazione Poliambulanza, Via Bissolati, 57, Brescia, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lombardi
authors.affiliation: Departmental Unit of Allergology, AUSL of Piacenza, "Guglielmo da Saliceto" Hospital, Piacenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Eleonora
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Savi
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Erminia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ridolo
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS San Martino-IST-University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Passalacqua
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS San Martino-IST-University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio Walter
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Canonica
keywords: Allergens; Allergic sensitization; Atopy; Severe asthma