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Published on: April 16, 2019
Is intrinsic asthma synonymous with infection?
1Section of Allergy, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
Abstract:
Rackemann described the 'intrinsic asthma' population over 50 years ago as a unique subgroup that was characterized by onset of progressive loss of lung function beginning later in life, possibly after a respiratory infection. It has also been associated with a female predominance, aspirin-sensitive bronchospasm, and nasal polyposis. While the aetiology is not understood, we propose that persistent respiratory infections play a central role in the development of intrinsic asthma.
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