title: [Bronchial asthma caused by occupational sulfite exposure].
abstract: A case is reported of a patient with episodes of bronchospasm requiring hospital admission after handling sodium bisulfite on the job. The patient had a 15-year history of bronchial asthma and concomitant rhinoconjunctivitis and a 6-year history of asthma induced by moderate exercise. His family history included a father with sensitization to mites. Skin tests, measurement of specific IgI, and nasal provocation were positive for domestic dust mites and grass pollen. Skin tests for sodium metasulfite at a concentration of 10 mg/ml were negative. A simple blind oral provocation test of sodium metasulfite (1, 5, 20, and 50 mg) in acid medium was positive at the 50-mg dose, eliciting bronchial and nasal symptoms, and a decrease in CVF, FEV1, and PEF of more than 20% over baseline values. The episode of bronchospasm has not recurred in the workplace since exposure to sodium bisulfite was eliminated. Oral provocation with metasulfite in acid medium is considered a good technique for confirming the diagnosis of these cases.
authors.affiliation: Al.Lergo Centre, Barcelona.
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Valero
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bescos
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Amat
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malet
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000139:chemically induced; D003132:Commerce; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008925:Mites / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013447:Sulfites / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D013447:Sulfites; C005200:sodium metabisulfite; C009279:sodium bisulfite
vernacular_title: Asma bronquial por exposición laboral a sulfitos.