Influence of obesity and nasal polyps on severe asthma

Background: Asthma is often associated with comorbidities that can influence its control, phenotype and response to treatment. Aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of two common comorbidities (obesity and nasal polyps, NP) on pulmonary function, inflammation, asthma control and quality of life in patients with severe asthma (SA). Method: We studied 64 patients with SA. All patients performed spirometry, collection of induced sputum for inflammatory cells, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and ENT visit. Asthma control was evaluated according to GINA guidelines and by ACT questionnaire, quality of life by AQLQ. Results: The percentage of patients with uncontrolled asthma was high (46.9%). Obese asthmatics had a similar functional data than non-obese, but worse asthma control (ACT score: 16 (7-25) vs 21 (10-25), p Conclusion: In patients with SA, NP is associated with increased eosinophilic airway inflammation and with worse lung function, but has less impact on asthma control and quality of life than obesity.