Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with atopic asthma: Correct definitions of the terms atopy and asthma

摘要

I commend van Asch et al for the effort put into their recent study. However, the definitions used for atopy and asthma and the unusual distribution of atopy and atopic asthma in males vs females seem to limit the article's relevance. The authors define asthma as "occurrence of wheezing in the last 12 months and/or a physician's diagnosis of asthma in that same period and/or current use of asthma medication." None of these definitions can replace the observation of reversible obstruction on spirometry, as recommended by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program and others. As the saying goes, "All that wheezes is not asthma."