Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease that can be exacerbated by fungal allergens, particularly Aspergillus fumigatus. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a severe hypersensitivity reaction observed in a subset of asthma patients. Objective To determine the prevalence of ABPA in patients with bronchial asthma and to describe their clinical, radiological, and immunological profiles. Methods This retrospective observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care hospital. Data from 100 bronchial asthma patients undergoing pulmonary function testing (PFT) were reviewed. ABPA diagnosis was based on criteria including elevated serum total IgE, specific IgE to A. fumigatus, chest X-ray findings, पigh-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and eosinophilia. Results ABPA was diagnosed in 14% of asthma patients. The most common age group was 21-30 years. Male predominance (69%) was noted. Dyspnea (64%) was the most frequent symptom. ABPA was observed in 21% of mild, 7% of moderate, and 11% of severe asthma cases. Chest infiltrates had 100% sensitivity but low specificity (44.19%) for ABPA diagnosis. Conclusion ABPA is present in a significant proportion of asthma patients. Early identification is crucial due to treatment implications. Chest imaging and serum IgE levels are useful screening tools.
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