How to diagnose and treat work-related asthma: key messages for clinical practice from the American college of chest physicians consensus statement.
Work-related asthma is common among adult asthmatics, either asthma initially caused by work (occupational asthma) or pre-existing asthma worsened by work factors (work-exacerbated asthma). Appropriate management depends on both correct diagnosis and on recognition of etiology. Following a systematic literature review, the American College of Chest Physicians enpaneled a group of experts that reviewed this material, extended the literature review, and developed a "Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis, and Management of Work-Related Asthma", published in 2008. This article addresses the main practical aspects of that Consensus Statement, including clinical clues to diagnosis of work-related asthma from the medical history, exposure assessment, targeted diagnostic tests, and directed patient management. The range and importance of preventive measures are also addressed.
Tarlo
Susan M
SM
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. susan.tarlo@utoronto.ca
Liss
Gary M
GM
Blanc
Paul D
PD
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D003245:Consensus Statements as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases