Characteristics of the study population
| Charactristics | Atopic asthma subjects | Healthy control subjects |
| n = 23 | n = 16 | |
| Age, yr | 50 (27–65) | 34 (24–46) |
| Sex (male/female) | 9/14 | 10/7 |
| Onset of asthma (childhood/adulthood) | 8/17 | – |
| FEV1, percentage predicted | 68 (31–98) | 107 (102–121) |
| Percentage of PEF variability | 20 (12–69) | ND |
| Skin test positive | 23 (100%) | ND |
| Charactristics | Atopic asthma subjects | Healthy control subjects |
| Age, yr | 50 (27–65) | 34 (24–46) |
| Sex (male/female) | 9/14 | 10/7 |
| Onset of asthma (childhood/adulthood) | 8/17 | – |
| FEV1, percentage predicted | 68 (31–98) | 107 (102–121) |
| Percentage of PEF variability | 20 (12–69) | ND |
| Skin test positive | 23 (100%) | ND |
Data are presented as median with interquartile ranges. FEV1, forced expiratory volume in the first second; PEF, peak expiratory flow; ND, not done.