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Diagnosis of Occupational Asthma: An Update

Current Allergy and Asthma Reports volume 12, pages 221–231 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Work-related asthma (WRA) includes patients with sensitizer- and/or irritant-induced asthma in the workplace, as well as patients with preexisting asthma that is worsened by work factors. WRA is underdiagnosed; thus, the diagnosis is critical to prevent disease progression and its potential for morbidity and mortality. The interview is the first diagnostic tool to be used by physicians, and the question, “Does asthma improve away from work?” is of the highest sensitivity. However, history can show numerous false positives, and the relationships between asthma worsening and work should be confirmed by objective methods such as peak expiratory flow (PEF) at and away from work. PEF sensitivity and specificity can be enhanced in combination with nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine/methacholine (NSBP) before and after 2 weeks at work and a similar period off work. Immunologic testing, especially skin prick test (SPT) or specific IgE, is useful for high molecular weight allergens and some low molecular weight agents. Other immunologic tests, as well as induced sputum, measurement of exhaled nitric oxide, exhaled breath condensate, and specific inhalation challenge (SIC) are methods that contribute to the diagnosis and are typically performed at specialized facilities. A diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) should no longer be based on a compatible history only but should be confirmed by means of objective testing. SIC is the diagnostic gold standard. When SIC is not available, the combination of PEF measurement, NSBP test , a specific SPT, or specific IgE may be an appropriate alternative in diagnosing OA.

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Affiliations

  1. Immunology and Allergy Unit, Hospital Nacional Alejandro Posadas, Villa Sarmiento, Av Rivadavia 14276, Ramos Mejía, Pcia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1708

    Edgardo J. Jares

  2. CIMER (Research Centre for Respiratory Medicine. Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University, Cordoba, Santa Rosa 381, X5000ESG, Córdoba, Argentina

    Carlos E. Baena-Cagnani

  3. Allergy and Asthma Unit, Hospital San Bernardo, Tobias 69, 4400, Salta, Argentina

    R. Maximiliano Gómez

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  1. Edgardo J. Jares
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  2. Carlos E. Baena-Cagnani
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Jares, E.J., Baena-Cagnani, C.E. & Gómez, R.M. Diagnosis of Occupational Asthma: An Update. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 12, 221–231 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-012-0259-2

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Keywords

  • Occupational asthma
  • Diagnosis
  • Work related
  • Peak expiratory flow
  • Serial PEF measurement