SAFS- Severe asthma with fungal sensitisation

Overview

SAFS is a relatively new disease classification; therefore, there is limited information on its clinical features. Studies are ongoing, and diagnosis is primarily made by excluding other conditions.

Diagnosis

The criteria for diagnosis include the following: 

• The presence of severe asthma that is poorly controlled with conventional treatment 
• Fungal sensitisation – identified by a blood or skin prick test 
• The absence of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis 

Causes

Similar to allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), SAFS is caused by inadequate airway clearance of inhaled fungus.

Treatment

• Long-term steroids 
• Antifungals 
• Biologics such as omalizumab (an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody) 

Further Information

SAFS Patient Information Booklet – for more detail on living with SAFS