Exocrine disorder in asthmatics: demonstration of high sweat chloride levels in chronic patients and their relatives.

In 87 patients with svere chronic asthma, the sweat chloride (Cl) level 
was determined, and increased concentrations were found in 12 (13.7%). In 
76% of the relatives of these patients increased sweat Cl levels 
were also found. The authors give data of their clinical and 
allergy study and conclude that 13.7% of the patients under investigation 
had clinical characteristics of asthma, allergy and a functional exocrine disorder. 
The exocrinopathy may be an important factor in the pathophysiology of 
certain types of asthma. 