Bronchial asthma of occupational origin: a review

Abstract

There are immediate benefits when it is possible to diagnose occupationally induced asthma. It is a man-made disease and is reversible. Diagnosis depends on knowledge of the source and types of exposure which can be correlated with the clinical, physiological and immunologic patterns of affected workers. The discovery of 1 case can often lead more readily to recognition of others. Individuals with asthma of an occupational origin should be removed from work. Equally as important is the initiation of proper industrial hygiene procedures which would improve the occupational environment and periodic medical surveillance of workers for the identification of early disease or individuals with few or no symptoms.