The purpose of this study is to identify the causes of asthma that were not previously suspected, to better understand the effects of inhaled steroids on asthma and to identify new way to treat asthma.

Population

emergency deparment, admitted patients in the ICU and inpatient wards

Brief Title

Mechanisms of Exacerbation of Asthma

Official Title

Mechanisms of Exacerbation of Asthma

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to identify the causes of asthma that were not previously <br /> suspected, to better understand the effects of inhaled steroids on asthma and to identify new <br /> way to treat asthma.

Detailed Description

In this study, we will explore mechanisms of exacerbation in asthma by careful
characterization studies in asthmatics presenting in acute severe exacerbation. Specifically,
we will determine the frequency of secretor status in these subjects by blood and saliva
testing, and we will also perform a detailed cellular and biochemical analysis of their
airway secretions. We will collect airway secretions using two methods. One method will be to
have subjects cough sputum into a clean plastic container. The other method only applies to
asthmatics with near-fatal asthma requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. In these
asthmatics, we will collect airway secretions by tracheal aspirate using methods normally
applied in their clinical care.