Increased levels of indoor mould are blamed for the development and persistence of asthma in adults
Doctors believe that exposure to indoor allergens, particularly increased airborne fungal spores, are important in the development of adult asthma and is blamed for an increased tendency to ´be allergic´. Previously, it was thought that allergen exposure was only important in the development of asthma in children, however doctors warn that increased exposure to ´Alternaria´ and ´Cladosporium´ can be responsible for more severe adult asthma. Admissions to hospitals´ Intensive Care Units and some cases of respiratory arrest have been identifed as mould-related. House dust mite and cat allergens were also implicated in new adult asthma cases. In the interest of public health, calls are made for urgent allergen control and avoidance in the indoor environment. Questions on the importance of ´classical´ allergy (IgE) markers, as displayed in skin prick or blood tests, remain to be resolved in adult asthma. There appears to be another allergy marker, a relative of IgE, referred to as IgG, that may also be involved.
Reference
Changes in indoor allergen and fungal levels predict changes in asthma activity among young adults, Matheson M.C. et al, ´Clinical and Experimental Allergy´; Vol. 35: pages 907-913
