[Non-specific triggering factors in 197 non-pollenogenic asthmatics with an unfavorable outcome]

One hundred and ninety seven, non-pollenic, asthmatic patients showing asthma or other respiratory allergic symptoms 5 years after the date of the diagnosis, were studied. Several non-specific trigger factors which could be the cause of the inadequate outcome were investigated. In 93 cases (47%) had respiratory infections previous to asthmatic crisis; in 66 (33%) had home or climatic changes; in 54 (27%) there was impairment subsequent to physical exercise and 13 (7%) had irritants factors at home. Other interesting epidemiological data were the male sex (69%) and the allergic familial antecedents (55%). Among the 197 patients 53 were secondarily sensibilized to pollen during the 5 years follow-up, 20 did it to foods and 14 to danders. Children sensibilized to foods and epithelia allergens had a similar behaviour to the general group. Patients secondarily sensibilized to pollen showed differences: Respiratory infections and physical exercise climatic changes were more frequent. They also had a more lasting natural lactation.