Page 156 - ADULT-ONSET ASTHMA PREDICTORS OF CLINICAL COURSE AND SEVERITY

ADULT-ONSET ASTHMA – PREDICTORS OF CLINICAL COURSE AND SEVERITY
In conclusion, blood eosinophil counts in never smokers and blood neutrophil counts in (ex) smokers with asthma are associated with frequent asthma exacerba ons. This novel nding suggests that di erent types of systemic background in amma on are involved in the ae ology of exacerba ons in these dis nct groups of asthma pa ents. Contrary to eosinophilic asthma, strategies to reduce exacerba on rates in (ex)smokers with neutrophilic asthma are as yet limited. Our data illustrate once more that the disease mechanisms of (ex)smoking asthma pa ents are clearly di erent from those of never smoking pa ents, which stresses the urgent need for more research in this neglected group of pa ents.
154