Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Frequent exacerbators--a distinct phenotype of severe asthma.
Exacerbations represent a major source of morbidity and mortality in asthma and are a prominent feature of poorly controlled, difficult-to-treat disease. ⋯ We were able to distinguish and characterize a subphenotype of asthma subjects--frequent exacerbators--who are significantly more prone to exacerbations. Patients with FeNO > 45 p.p.b. and a history of smoking are at increased risk of frequent exacerbations and require careful monitoring in clinical practice.