Cartier A
University of Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
Can Respir J. 1998 Jul-Aug;5 Suppl A:71A-6A.
Occupational asthma is one of the most frequent lung diseases related to work. It is defined as asthma causally and specifically related to exposure to airborne dusts, gases, vapours or fumes in the working environment. Because occupational asthma may cause long-lasting disability, it is important to identify affected workers correctly and to remove them as soon as possible from the sensitizing agent. Although history is the clue to the diagnosis, it is not sensitive nor specific enough, and the diagnosis should be confirmed by objective means. This article reviews the different steps (with their advantages and disadvantages) involved in making the diagnosis: history, confirmation of the diagnosis of asthma, work visit, skin tests and serology, monitoring of peak expiratory flows and nonallergic bronchial responsiveness. The gold standard remains specific inhalation challenges in the laboratory or at work.
职业性哮喘是最常见的与工作相关的肺部疾病之一。它被定义为与工作环境中接触空气传播的粉尘、气体、蒸气或烟雾有因果关系且特定相关的哮喘。由于职业性哮喘可能导致长期残疾，正确识别受影响的工人并尽快将他们从致敏剂中移除非常重要。虽然病史是诊断的线索，但它不够敏感也不够特异，诊断应通过客观手段来证实。本文回顾了诊断过程中涉及的不同步骤（及其优缺点）：病史、哮喘诊断的确认、工作场所访问、皮肤试验和血清学、呼气峰值流量监测以及非过敏性支气管反应性。金标准仍然是在实验室或工作场所进行的特异性吸入激发试验。
