Definitions of asthma exacerbations

Abstract

Currently there is no commonly accepted definition for asthma exacerbations. A prospective definition is desirable. This could be obtained by phenotyping asthma exacerbations based on clinical signs, lung function parameters and possibly other biomarkers.

A 10-year survey on asthma exacerbations: Relationships among emergency medicine calls, pollens, weather, and air pollution

“…The common denominator is a deterioration of symptoms, and three aspects to define an exacerbation can be considered: worsened symptoms, fall in lung function parameters, and healthcare utilization [4,5]. A proposed definition of asthma exacerbation is a worsening of asthma requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids to prevent a serious outcome [6]. Anyway, healthcare utilization surely represents a relevant component in exacerbation outcomes.…”

Mechanical bacterial lysate administration prevents exacerbation in allergic asthmatic children—The EOLIA study

“…Patients recorded their asthma symptoms, use of reliever medication, episodes of infections, and exacerbations in a diary. Exacerbations were assessed and validated by the investigator on the basis of deterioration in symptoms and temporary change in treatment …”

EAACI position statement on asthma exacerbations and severe asthma

“…aspirin), food, air pollutant, occupational agent, virus infection or, in many cases, an unknown (or unidentified) trigger . It has been proposed that within the group of patients with recurrent exacerbations, detailed phenotyping in terms of clinical symptoms, lung function, inflammatory and other biomarkers is warranted . There is a significant unmet need for identifying and characterizing the factors that increase the risk of asthma exacerbations and the therapeutic and preventive options that reduce these risks.…”