Occupational asthma following kapok exposure.
Whether a distinct kapok allergen exists or whether the fiber's allergenicity is due to contamination by other allergens has never been resolved. Several years ago, we evaluated a patient who appeared to develop occupational asthma to kapok. We performed an environmental assessment, cross-shift spirometric testing of the patient's co-workers, and the first reported bronchoprovocation challenge with kapok. The disappearance of the patient's asthma following cessation of kapok exposure, with now 7 years of follow-up, our inability to incriminate any other agent, and the patient's positive specific bronchoprovocation challenge strengthen the evidence, but do not prove definitively, that kapok fiber itself is allergenic.
Program in Occupational Medicine, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.
D G
DG
Kern
R
R
Kohn
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test; D012233:Rhizopus / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D014197:Trees
D000485:Allergens