SEVERE NON-ALLERGIC ASTHMA: IS IT ALWAYS NON-ALLERGIC?

Abstract

Although it is recognized that atopy is a risk factor for the development of asthma, the role of allergy in the pathogenesis of asthma (and especially severe asthma) is still under discussion. In this article, we discuss the influence of different allergens on severe asthma, the choice of diagnostic methods for the allergological examination of the patient. Further investigation of the immunological mechanisms in which IgE may be involved, not only as a mediator of allergies to inhaled allergens, are reviewed. Thus, allergen detection in asthma depends on how and where we look for the allergen and what we expect from the positive results. Identification of allergens is important even if it is not the only etiological factor.