Sensitization to common allergens in adults with asthma.

PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of atopy (ie, allergen sensitization) in a sample of adult asthma outpatients. METHODS Population consisted of a total of 218 patients, 18 to 55 years of age, who were currently receiving care for asthma; and 13 physicians, whose specialties were Family Practice, Allergy, or Pulmonology and who were providing care to at least 10 to 15 asthma patients weekly. Patients provided a blood sample for quantification of total and allergen-specific IgE. Outcomes were the proportion of patients with atopy and the proportions of patients with elevated serum IgE specific to each of 8 specific common allergens. RESULTS The patients' mean age was 42 years, and 74% were women; 68% of patients met the study definition of atopy. Total serum IgE > or = 114 kU/L was observed in 48% of patients, and 59% had elevated levels of IgE specific to one or more of 8 common allergens. CONCLUSIONS The majority of adult asthma outpatients had evidence of atopy and most were sensitive to a specific identifiable allergen. Awareness of the high prevalence of atopy among asthma patients might improve patient management.