The role of allergy in asthma

Allergic triggers remain vitally important for a large proportion of asthmatics. Increasing evidence indicates that allergic sensitivity may not only cause ongoing asthmatic symptoms with bronchial hyperreactivity and airway inflammation but may also serve as an inducer of the asthmatic condition. Patients with a history and clinical setting suggestive of allergic sensitivity should be evaluated carefully. Whenever possible, allergen avoidance should be encouraged strongly in allergen-sensitive patients with a strong emphasis on patient education. In those patients who continue to be symptomatic with good avoidance measures and appropriate pharmacotherapy, allergy immunotherapy should be considered as an additional treatment measure.