Although eosinophilic airway inflammation is recognized as an important feature of some patients with chronic, stable asthma, evidence supports an important role for neutrophils in asthma. Neutrophils are the first cells recruited to the site of the allergic reaction. Their presence may influence clinical presentation and has been linked to the development of severe chronic asthma and sudden severe attacks. Neutrophils are eliminated by apoptosis during the resolution of the allergic response.