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.
Kern
D G
DG
Program in Occupational Medicine, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.
Kohn
R
R
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