Severe Asthma (IMAGE) American Thoracic Society Caption The airway microbiome appears to be altered in patients with severe asthma linked to high levels of white blood cells called neutrophils. Credit ATS Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.