“…Yet the comparability of the index acuity scores between enrollees (42,46,47). Although a variety of risk factors for severe asthma exacerbation previously have been reported, including secondhand tobacco smoke (SHS) exposure, adolescent age, overweight, family history, sensitization to fungal antigens, and respiratory infection, the most commonly reported association is between ICU admission and atopy (6,11,12,15,37,48,49). Allergically sensitized patients in our study, specifically those with sensitization to indoor allergens, were more likely to be admitted to the ICU.…”