Occupational asthma in the commercial fishing industry: a case series and review of the literature.
We present a case series of snow crab-induced occupational asthma (OA) from a fishing and processing vessel, followed by a review of OA in the commercial fishing industry. OA is typically caused from an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction after respiratory exposure to aerosolized fish and shellfish proteins. It more commonly occurs due to crustaceans, but molluscs and fin fish are implicated as well. Standard medical therapy for asthma may be used acutely; however, steps to reduce atmospheric allergen concentrations in the workplace have proven to be preventive for this disease.
Lucas
David
D
Santé au Travail en Iroise, Occupational Service, Brest, France. d.lucas@metrabrest.com
Lucas
Raymond
R
Boniface
Keith
K
Jegaden
Dominique
D
Lodde
Brice
B
Dewitte
Jean-Ariel
JA
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D005398:Fisheries; D006801:Humans; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012196:Review Literature as Topic; D012767:Ships