ABSTRACT
Occupational asthma (OA) is one of the most prevalent lung diseases and is estimated to represent one in six cases of adult asthma, forming a major public concern. OA is potentially preventable, by effective control of respiratory sensitizers in the workplace. Accordingly, identifying causal agents and associated risk factors is a key step towards optimal prevention of disease. OA can be divided into: hypersensitivity induced OA and irritant induced OA. Hypersensitivity induced OA is characterized by a latency period between exposure and symptoms and involves IgE and non-IgE responses. It involves development of IgE-specific antibodies produced by exposure to the antigen. Pulmonary function testing to assess the severity of airway obstruction and the presence of airway reversibility is the most important first objective assessment in an OA evaluation. Skin prick testing is generally most useful for the diagnosis of OA caused by High-Molecular Weight agents, but there are circumstances where skin testing can also be useful for Low-Molecular Weight agents.
