Occupational Asthma

  • Marc B. Schenker
  • Stanley Naguwa
Chapter

Abstract

  • The clinical definition of occupational asthma may differ from the medico-legal definition.

  • Up to 15% of asthmatics may have an occupational component. This percentage varies with the specific industries and exposures in an area.

  • Occupational asthma may be IgE or non-IgE mediated. Therefore, skin prick tests, RAST or ELISA testing may or may not be positive.

  • Symptoms alone may not be sufficient to diagnose occupational asthma. Serial peak flow measurements (PEFR) or serial spirometry may be necessary to detect workplace effects on airflow.

  • Specific inhalation challenge is the most definitive method to diagnose occupational asthma, but may represent a risk to the subject. In most cases the presence of asthma, an adequate history and serial PEFR or non-specific bronchial challenge (methacholine) is adequate to make a diagnosis.

  • The best management for occupational asthma is to eliminate exposure to the offending substance. Continued exposure to causative agents results in a worse long-term prognosis.

  • Pharmacologic treatment of occupational asthma should be according to the NAEPP guidelines.

  • Protective gear, including respirators, are of limited effectiveness and should be employed if other approaches are not successful.

Keywords

Peak Expiratory Flow Rate Occupational Asthma Asthmatic Reaction Workplace Exposure Trimellitic Anhydride 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2001

Authors and Affiliations

  • Marc B. Schenker
  • Stanley Naguwa

There are no affiliations available

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