Sensitization to common allergens in adults with asthma.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of atopy (ie, allergen sensitization) in a sample of adult asthma outpatients.

Methods: Population consisted of a total of 218 patients, 18 to 55 years of age, who were currently receiving care for asthma; and 13 physicians, whose specialties were Family Practice, Allergy, or Pulmonology and who were providing care to at least 10 to 15 asthma patients weekly. Patients provided a blood sample for quantification of total and allergen-specific IgE.