Occupational asthma.

Occupational asthma is a common yet all too frequently unnoticed form of adult asthma. Many agents can trigger disease by a variety of mechanisms, some of which are unknown. Awareness of high-risk occupations and knowledge that adults with persistent asthma may have an occupational trigger are vital in early identification and treatment of this population of patients where the stakes are high. Although the sensitivity and specificity of various tests are low, a multidimensional approach, which includes the cooperation of primary care physician, allergist-immunologist, pulmonologist, industrial hygienist, occupational medicine specialist, and industry (union and management), can lead to a successful outcome in a timely manner.