Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
The clinical differences of asthma in patients with molds allergy
Krzysztof Kołodziejczyk, Andrzej Bożek1, Jerzy Jarząb
1Clinical Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Allergology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland. andrzejbozek@o2.pl.
Introduction:
Bronchial asthma is an increasing problem worldwide. The course of bronchial asthma is dependent on the type of inducing allergens. The differences between the clinical features of asthma in patients with monovalent allergies to molds and with other allergies were explored.
Material And Methods:
Randomly selected 1910 patients (924 women and 986 men) between 18-86 years in age were analyzed according to type of allergy and asthma. The diagnosis of asthma was confirmed on the basis of GINA criteria, physical examination and spirometry. Allergy diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of medical history, a positive skin prick test and the measurement of serum-specific IgE to inhalant allergens, using an extended profile of mold allergens.
Results:
Patients with monovalent allergies to molds (4% of analyzed group) had significantly more frequent diagnoses of asthma than patients in the other group (53% vs. 27.1-32.4%, p < 0.05). Patients with allergies to Alternaria alternata had an odds ratio of 2.11 (95%CI: 1.86-2.32) for receiving a diagnosis of bronchial asthma. They had less control over their asthma, which was more severe compared to patients with other allergies. Patients with asthma and allergies to mold had significantly more frequent exacerbation of asthma requiring systemic corticosteroids and/or hospitalization. They used a significantly greater mean daily dose of inhaled steroids compared to other patients.
Conclusion:
Patients with monovalent IgE allergies to molds are at a higher risk for asthma than patients with other allergies. Their asthma is often more intense and less controlled compared to that of patients with other types of allergies.
Insights
Patients with mold allergies have a higher risk of developing asthma. This asthma is often more severe and less controlled, requiring more intensive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Bronchial asthma prevalence is rising globally.
- Asthma's clinical course is influenced by allergen type.
- This study investigates mold allergies' impact on asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare asthma features in patients with mold allergies versus other allergies.
- To assess the risk and severity of asthma linked to mold sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 1910 patients (18-86 years) by allergy type and asthma diagnosis.
- Confirmed asthma via GINA criteria, physical exam, and spirometry.
- Diagnosed allergies using medical history, skin prick tests, and serum-specific IgE to inhalants, including molds.
Main Results:
- 4% of patients had mold allergies; 53% of these had asthma vs. 27.1-32.4% in others (p < 0.05).
- Allergies to Alternaria alternata increased asthma diagnosis odds by 2.11.
- Mold-allergic asthma patients experienced more exacerbations, required more systemic corticosteroids/hospitalization, and used higher inhaled steroid doses.
Conclusions:
- Monovalent IgE allergies to molds significantly elevate asthma risk.
- Asthma in mold-allergic individuals is typically more severe and less controlled.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...