Allergy is the strongest risk factor for asthma, and most cases of asthma are allergic in origin. However, not all allergic patients have asthma. In this study, we will enroll allergic adults to undergo bronchoscopic segmental allergen challenge in order to identify differences in the airway immune response to allergen in those with asthma compared to those without asthma. After a discussion about the study and potential risks, subjects giving written informed consent will undergo two bronchoscopies. During the first procedure, samples will be collected from the left lung and allergen will be administered to a small segment of the right lung. The second procedure will be performed 24 hours later, with collection of samples from the allergen-challenged lung segment.
Most asthma is allergic in origin. The purpose of this study is to better understand the airway immune response to inhaled allergens in order to identify factors that promote asthma.