HH Kim, SJ Choi, S Won , HS Kim, YH Chun, JS Yoon, JT Kim

Abstract

Purpose: Exposure and sensitisation to house dust mites (HDMs) are known to aggravate asthma. We aimed to determine whether sensitisation to HDM acts as a risk factor for asthma exacerbation in fall and we also investigated whether asthma exacerbation in the fall had any distinctive features by comparing various cytokines and chemokines with other seasons. Method: We measured the levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), HDM-specific IgE (sIgE), and various cytokines and chemokines in those who visited the emergency department for acute asthma exacerbation and classified them according to the season. Findings: HDM-sIgE levels were higher in those presenting with asthma exacerbation in the fall. There was no difference in the levels of cytokines and chemokines between the fall and the other seasons. Conclusion: HDM sensitisation could be a risk factor for asthma exacerbation in the fall.