title: [Specific challenge tests in occupational asthma--guidelines by the Finnish Expert Group on Occupational Lung Diseases].
abstract: In a specific inhalation challenge (SIC) test the patient inhales an occupational agent in controlled environment and the subsequent asthmatic reaction is monitored. SIC is considered as the reference standard when confirming the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma. However, SIC is not always needed for the diagnosis; in many cases the causal relationship between an occupational agent and asthma can be shown also with serial peak flow measurements and specific immunologic testing. SIC is invaluable in identifying new occupational airway sensitizers. This is essential for preventing occupational asthma in the future.
authors.affiliation: HYKS:n lho- ja allergiasairaala, kliinisen fysiologian yksikkö.
authors.forename: Hille
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Suojalehto
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Malmberg
authors.forename: Irmeli
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lindström
authors.forename: Terttu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Harju
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kauppi
authors.forename: Maritta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kilpeläinen
authors.forename: Marja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lindqvist
authors.forename: Eeva-Maija
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Nieminen
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nieminen
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pallasaho
authors.forename: Minna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Purokivi
authors.forename: Riitta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sauni
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tuomisto
authors.forename: Maritta S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Jaakkola
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000633:toxicity; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational