Monitoring of maximum expiratory peak flow rates and histamine inhalation tests in the investigation of occupational asthma.
A 49 year old carpenter developed asthma after he was employed in a new workshop. Specific inhalation tests carried out in a laboratory with presswood sawdust and the different glues used at work were negative. Monitoring peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) at work revealed a progressive fall on consecutive days with recovery after periods off-work. Histamine inhalation tests showed a definite increase in bronchial hyperexcitability after working periods. Monitoring of PEFR in conjunction with histamine inhalation tests can thus help in confirming occupational asthma.
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D006632:Histamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
D006632:Histamine