title: Definitions and classification of work-related asthma.
abstract: The workplace can trigger or induce asthma and cause the onset of different types of work-related asthma (WRA). Based on current knowledge of clinical features, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and evidence supporting a causal relationship, the following conditions should be distinguished in the spectrum of WRA: (1) immunologic occupational asthma (OA), (2) nonimmunologic OA, (3) work-exacerbated asthma, and (4) variant syndromes, including eosinophilic bronchitis, potroom asthma, and asthmalike disorders caused by organic dusts. The rationale, issues, and controversies relating to this approach are critically reviewed to stimulate the development of a consensus on operational definitions of the various phenotypes of WRA.
authors: Department of Chest Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur, Université de Montréal, 5400 West Gouin Boulevard, Montreal H4J 1C5, Canada. malojl@meddir.umontreal.ca
authors: Jean-Luc
authors: JL
authors: Malo
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Vandenplas
mesh_terms: D056151:Airway Remodeling / Q000276:immunology; D059366:Asthma, Occupational / Q000145:classification* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000276:immunology; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D007509:Irritants; D007073:Immunoglobulin E