抄録
Several endogenous and exogenous aggravating factors have been implicated in patients with refractory asthma. The aim of the present study was to identify which comorbid factors are associated with frequent asthma exacerbation in patients with refractory asthma. Thirteen clinical and environmental factors possibly associated with asthma exacerbation were analyzed using a systematic protocol in 63 patients with refractory asthma, as defined by American Thoracic Society criteria, as well as in 65 patients with well-controlled asthma. Aspirin intolerance, psychological dysfunction, recurrent respiratory infection, and hormonal effects were significantly more prevalent in patients with refractory asthma compared with patients with well-controlled asthma. Factors found to be significantly associated with frequent exacerbation during the previous year in Japanese patients with refractory asthma were psychological dysfunction, aspirin intolerance, gastroesophageal reflux, and recurrent respiratory infection. Thus, rigorous treatment of these comorbid factors may result in improvements in refractory asthma.
