title: Occupational asthma caused by exposure to low-molecular-weight chemicals.
abstract: Chemical agents cause approximately 40% of cases of occupational asthma (OA). Diagnosis of OA caused by chemicals relies on the demonstration of decrements in lung function at the workplace or during a controlled specific inhalation challenge to the suspect chemical agent. Evaluation of workers is accomplished best with a stepwise algorithmic approach and while the worker is symptomatic and still exposed at work. An early diagnosis followed by cessation of exposure can result in asthma remission and is likely to prevent progression to chronic disabling obstructive disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0563, USA. bernstdd@email.uc.edu
authors.forename: David I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Bernstein
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D002621:Chemistry / Q000145:classification; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012306:Risk