http://www.occupationalasthma.com/forums.aspxNew Forum Questions added on www.occupationalasthma.com60http://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4557#commentsWe work in occupational diseases and we need whole information about Oasys. We want to buy the peak flow meter and the software for use in our patients We are really intereasing in your program and we hope your answer soon Thanks in advance Respiratory group HTS. www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 02 Feb 2012 16:36:06 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1230Is is 10,000 Da or 1,000 Da or what is the cutting off point that says anything over this is HMW and anything under is LMW?www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 25 Jan 2012 15:37:23 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1228We have a 60 yr old lady that got loft insulation done with fibreglass. A few days later developed allergic symptoms not helped with antihistamines. She got admitted to hospital and felt better within a couple of hours away from the house and was discharged the following day. CT showed no alveolitis (only a 2mm granuloma RUL). On return to the house, she has recurrence of symptoms which always improve away from the house. This is despite the house being industrial cleaned. The history is suggestive of hypersensitivity to fibreglass. This lady asked for allergy tests for this www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 12 Jan 2012 16:36:05 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1226Do occuptional asthma and work-agravated asthma have different employment outcomes?www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 09 Jan 2012 11:22:01 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1221Hi I have a lady who works in a supermarket replenishing shelves (usually toilet rolls in plastic wrapping) who states that for 6 weeks she had symptoms of runny nose and eyes and red itchy eyes when ever she came into work and these symptoms ceased the moment she walked out the doors (She is currently sicknoted for chronic neck pain whcih she reports flares ups include severe headaches (A flare up was noted at a similar time to these symptoms)and has noted no respiratory symptoms since her absence despite ongoing neck symptoms. She tells me her GP has suggested it could be fluroscent lighting? Is this possible or could there be any other cause - she does pull pallets out using a pallet truck but otherwise only replensishes. thank you very much in advance Janetwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 06 Jan 2012 12:12:42 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4879#commentsWorkers with shortness of breath less likely to use RPE (35% vs 59%)www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 21 Dec 2011 10:42:15 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4443#commentsThis is a bit confusing. Where is the actual down load icon. I am always sent back to this page when I click on download?www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 08 Dec 2011 19:30:22 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4873#commentsnew simpler method for measuring nitrogen trichloride in swimming pool airwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Nov 2011 11:16:43 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1212I have a patient who seems to be having problems relating to diesel fumes at work. Could you guide me to any recent review of literature on this subject?www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 17 Nov 2011 11:06:32 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1208 Do you have an abstract/publication ref for your foam cutters with asthma? www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 30 Sep 2011 11:48:39 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4845#commentsLatent interval from first exposure to first work-related symptom longer than in previous prospective studies. Work-related breathlessness mean latent interval 63 mon ths, shorter for those with specific IgE to flour or amylase (24 months) than in those with similar symptoms and negative IgE ((69 months)www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 24 Aug 2011 20:59:55 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1204We appear to have a number of cases of asthma in furniture upholsterers which may be occupational. What might be the cause if so? www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 23 Aug 2011 15:35:38 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1202Hi I am trying to delete a day from the recod by applying the discontinue option but that does not work. would you please tell me excatly what to do. Thank you www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 18 Aug 2011 13:26:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1199Do you know anything about HP/EAA in orthopaedic surgeons.I can't find much on the net? He has had clear cut HP and on this occasion responded well to steroids. He may well have had a previous episode when he also went on Christmas holiday www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 08 Aug 2011 18:28:20 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4837#commentsThis study unexpectedly found that the increase in non-specific reactivity (nsbr) seen after a late asthmatic reaction was absent in mild asthmatics who smoked but present in the non-smokers as expected. A hypothesis presented was that increased CO in smokers may inhibit cGMP in bronchial muscles (as found in mice). However exhaled CO was not measured in this study. Although the challenges in this study were with environmental allergens (mainly ragweed and cat)the finding may account for the lack of nsbr found in about 30% of workers with occupational asthmawww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 27 Jul 2011 21:22:51 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4814#commentsI used to work as an Employment Medical adviser for the Health and Safety Executive, and part of my duties was to provide Local Authority Careers Officers with advice on the possible health implications of job choices for certain of their young clients. I've no idea how effective that advice was, though. www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 26 Jul 2011 11:35:35 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4823#commentsThis study shows that Swedish petshop workers have similar levels of sensitisation to laboratory animal workers. Those who sell mice (and dont have pet mice at home), have measurable levels of mouse urinary antigen in their homes, about 10% of the level at work. This could lead to sensitisation in those sharing the home, in the same way as been described with platinum saltswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 21 Jul 2011 16:56:47 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1189I have been told that I can't have occupational asthma as the isocyanate levels at work are always at safe levels, is this true?www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 21 Jul 2011 16:32:53 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4827#commentsMouse urinary antigen 3.5 times higher in homes from non-mouse owners who petshops had mice compared with workers in petshops without mice. Levels at home about 10% of those at workwww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 20 Jul 2011 16:57:30 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1185I am writing a protocol to try to standardise the health surveillance we do for Occupational asthma and occupational lung disease. Should spirometry be done standing up or sitting down please?www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 15 Jul 2011 17:11:17 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1184I am performing health surveillance for a mixed farming group (mushroom workers, dairy, crops, poultry and welders). I am trying to look and health surveillance results logitudinally and set a "trigger" for a referral level to myself by the OHA (as well as adult onset asthma,symptoms, persistent chest illness or a positive questionnaire). How much decline can I allow in FVC and FEV1, PEFR please?www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 15 Jul 2011 17:08:51 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1182I've been diagnosed with baker's asthma, have been away from bakery dust for 7 weeks, and just as you predicted in your response to my previous question, my recovery has been dramatic during the first three months. I've tested positive to baker's yeast. Should I avoid eating it.? Can the smell of an item after cooking aggravate lungs., if it's still warm, after it's cooled.? Any reading material suggestions would be appreciated. This website has been a god-sent. I've recommended it to my doctors.:) Thank you, Kimwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:08:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1179I was working at an engineering firm, to start with i was welding zinc plated/galvanized metal to large frames. the metal had been pre painted in primer and top coated in enamel paint, this gave off large amounts of fume, to which i had no protection from. I was then asked to spray paint jobs as they was completed, these jobs was first sprayed in a primer then sprayed with a top coat of enamel. some of the paints and primers contained lead chromate and zinc chromate pigments. these been mixed with such VOC's as tolurene xylene and MEK's, to thin them down to spray. in one job i was spraying for over a 5 hour period. the only PPE available was that of a 3m paper mask. within 2 to 3 months of starting this job i began to have breathing problems. i noticed that on a weekend my breathing improved. i went to my Gp as my breathing was getting worse. not been able to see him, and seeing the practice nurse i was told it was just a cold i had ,. I took a week off work, and within a few days i felt much better and returned to work. By this time I had been spraying for around 4 months, as well as doing some welding. some of my work was around stainless steel welding. later i was feeling very ill with my breathing. I went back to my GP again. this time he did some tests, and refered me to a speciaist, who diagnosed me as having occupational asthma. I then began the process of making a claim for compensation. In the last 3 years I have under gone a number of tests and it was confirmed that i had OA. I had to obtain MSDS information on the paints and thinners i used , as it was the painting that was suspected of causing my illness. having got this information my claim progressed until a few weeks ago. I my self have ended up having to find out information online as it seems that my solicitors and there medical team seem to be having problems in now proving my claim. both my doctor and the defendents both agree that it is due to sensitisation to Cr VI chromates, also the engineer as said the same. but there engineer claims that it is not! even though there as been a great deal of evidence stating that these things are a known sensitiser. also they seem not to be able to say IF i was exposed long enough to become sensitised. even though I was welding items that release Cr VI fumes as well as spraying paints with Cr VI pigments in. information as been found that says that a single large exposure can cause sensitisation from a number of studies in to OA. Yet i have now been told that my case may now collapse. could you please give me some advice as to weather with all the types of exposure that i have had is it possible for sensitisation to happen. I would be very greatful for any advice you maybe able to offer.www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 07 Jul 2011 20:04:43 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4825#commentsno mention of relationship between IgE and occupational diseasewww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 07 Jul 2011 19:14:05 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4458#commentsI have run the Oasys start up, but cannot communicate with the Oasys server. I'm online, have seen from the test page that the Oasys server is running, so I wonder whether it's the firewall. Have you had any problems with the Welsh NHS firewall? NHS.net doesn't extend to Wales - don't know if that's relevant or not - Thankswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 07 Jul 2011 14:01:41 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4822#commentsno mention of asthmawww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 04 Jul 2011 16:12:59 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=82#commentsThank you for the article. It is so helpful when you can find help when needed. I too have been recently diagnosed with asthma which the specialist thinks may be due to my job. I'm also in need of equipment, peak flow meter and pulse oximeter. Anyone heard of www.thomasmedical.com? Thanks in advance for any information.www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 28 Jun 2011 00:11:13 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1162I've just been diagnosed with bakers asthma, owned my own bagel shop for 15 years, and worked there part time for new owners until receiving diagnosis, when I quickly "retired". If a recovery is possible, how long until condition starts to improve.? I'd say symptoms of rhinitis were present for last 3/4 years, and shortness of breath/fatigue the last 2 years. Thank you, Kimwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 27 May 2011 19:29:08 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4820#commentsmostly domestic but includes 2 with oawww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 26 May 2011 14:53:06 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4819#commentsInteresting review, mainly non-occupationalwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 26 May 2011 14:46:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1155I was consulted by a 33 year old woman who developed asthma after two years of exposure to chromite ore during underground chromite mining. Other exposure was diesel exhaust emissions. Symptoms worse at work and improved away from work. No smelter on site so exposure was only to chromite dust (not chrome salts or chrome fume). I think this is work-exacerbated asthma as chromites have not been convincingly shown to be a cause of OA. Please let me know if you have information on chromite and occupational asthma Thank you www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 20 May 2011 10:59:59 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_causative_agent.aspx?id=301#commentsAlso known as mace or nutmegwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 19 May 2011 20:07:40 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_causative_agent.aspx?id=73#commentsasked for second time to comment on health worker symptomatic after exposure to higher conc actichlor. Any similar experience? Not sure why listed uinder chrome fumeswww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 18 May 2011 15:13:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=1849#commentsA four-fold change in methacholine Pc20 was seen in 16/49 with sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (clinical diagnosis, some with challenges). 19/49 had supporting PEF changes (denominator of those actually doing the test not stated) Irritant induced asthma seen in 15, (No prior asthma, onset within 24 hours of a high exposure to a respiratory irritant on one or more occasions,symptoms persisting for at least 3 months, bronchodilator response or NSBR,) 3/15 had more than 6 months latency to similar exposures, 2/3 had NSBR work-related changes. These 3 probably had work-related pef and symptom changes ( welder,calcium oxide,phisgene/HCl).www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 18 May 2011 13:03:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4810#commentsThese are club athletes rather than elite national swimmers. The type of pool is not stated. The NSBR improves away from intense training, but swimmers remain more reactive than non-swimmers. The conclusion that NSBR is transitory are overstatedwww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 26 Apr 2011 12:01:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4811#commentsReally a cross-sectional study at the start of a surveillance programme compared with workers diagnosed with occupational asthma presenting clinically (historical controls). Those identified by surveillance had less NSBR and recovered better than the historical controls (2 years after removal from exposure no treatment and normal NSBR 34% vs 16%, p=0.02). They also cost the Quebec compensation scheme, which includes less (11,893 Canadian $ including retraining compared with Can $19,462 for the historical controls. The screened group had symptoms for a mean 5.2 years and had worked with isocyanates for a mean 12.9 years, representing a late onset of disease group. The figures for those actually with OA are not given. The original screening was with questionnaire identifying 6.3% of isocyanate spray painters (n=182). Of these 103 were thought not to have OA after a medical. 79 were referred for investigation, NSBR <8mg/ml in 55/79. 20 had positive isocyanate challenges (0.69% of the original cohort). 42% of the 22 with challenge positive OA had normal NSBR (interval from last exposure not stated) The cost comparison was the lump sum paid after 2 years by the Quebec compensation scheme based on age and residual disability. It is cheaper to identify spray painters with occupational asthma with screening than to wait for them to present clinically. www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 13 Apr 2011 17:57:51 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4809#commentsThis is an interesting paper, but all the analysis is retrospective and requires prospective validation. Although there was a relationship between sputum eosinophilia, NSBR and occupatiuonal asthma both together and separately, the negative combination is not enough to exclude occupational asthma (negative predictive value 58% when compared with non-occupational asthma. There is no particular reason why NSBR or sputum eosinophilia should be diffeent in occupational and non-occupational asthma. If non-asthmatics are include the negative predictive value is higher. It shows that there are workers with challenge positive occupational asthma where both the NSBR and sputum eosinophils are normal when investigated a median 76 days after last exposure (Interquartile range 1 to 173, showing at least 25% were currently exposed at the time of the challenge). Median interval from last exposure to challenge 76 days. 65/129 with OA had sputum eosinophils <1%; 37/129 >3%. NSBR normal (>16mg/ml) in 35/129 with OA (27%). Positive prictive value of OA for eosinophils >1% 44% and >3% 49%. Negative predictive value of OA versus non-OA 58% for spuum eosinohils <1% and 30% for NSBR >16mg/ml. Negative predictive value of Pc20 >16mg/ml and eosinophils <1% 58% against non-occupational asthma.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 02 Apr 2011 14:24:56 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1140Im concerned about pesticides? Herbicides used near were i work ? im having thyroid trouble , insomnia, tremour in left hand , hair loss , muscle pain.C an you advise if we need to wear respiritory mask ? www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 28 Mar 2011 10:35:46 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=80#commentsUnfortunately, breathing in various fumes, dust, gases and vapours within the workplace can cause Occupational asthma. A work related lung disease is extremely serious and potentially dangerous health problem that can ruin lives. Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and painful coughing are just some of the symptoms that occupational asthma sufferers may have to deal with on a daily basis. Occupational Asthma Claim questions: Do you think your asthma or respiratory problem may have been caused or worsened by work? Have you worked at that company in the last 3 years? If you can answer 'Yes' to these questions you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our compensation services are free. For more free advice email me at support@asthmaclaims.net or view our asthma forum at www.asthmaclaims.net William www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 17 Mar 2011 11:19:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4589#commentsScore Chart Predictors in the Model Value Score Symptoms indicative for asthma Score 1 if "YES" to at least one of the following questions: * Have you had wheezing or whistling in the last 12 months? * Have you had an attack of shortness of breath in the last 12 months? * Ever diagnosed asthma by physician * Do you ever start to cough induced by exercise, strenuous work, cold air, heavy smell, smoke, or dust? Allergic symptoms Score 2 if "YES" answer to at least one of the following questions: ?? Do you develop eye or nasal or respiratory or skin symptoms when exposed to common allergen such as dust mite, animal hair or pollen? ?? Do you ever have an itchy runny nose or sneezing even when you do not have a cold? ?? Have you ever had "hay fever"? Risk of sensitisation to laboratory animals after 32 months of training Sum score 0, 1, 2, 3 0 3% 1 7% 2 18% 3 37% Symptoms indicative for asthma Score 1 if "YES" to at least one of the following questions: * Have you had wheezing or whistling in the last 12 months? * Have you had an attack of shortness of breath in the last 12 months? * Ever diagnosed asthma by physician * Do you ever start to cough induced by exercise, strenuous work, cold air, heavy smell, smoke, or dust? Allergic symptoms Score 2 if "YES" answer to at least one of the following questions: ?? Do you develop eye or nasal or respiratory or skin symptoms when exposed to common allergen such as dust mite, animal hair or pollen? ?? Do you ever have an itchy runny nose or sneezing even when you do not have a cold? ?? Have you ever had "hay fever"? Incidence of symptoms at work in laboratory animals after 32 months of training Sum score 0, 1, 2, 3 0 1% 1 4% 2 23% 3 44% www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 16 Mar 2011 17:04:31 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4741#commentsIt looks like Joan Longbottom seated at the far bench, who is standing?www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 01 Mar 2011 17:13:12 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1118I downloaded 'Oaysys 2010' from 'Oasys' and the website says you can 'import patient details' by clicking on the 'Import Patient Details' option from the 'tools' menu. I tried this but there isn't an 'import patient details' option on the 'tools' menu. Can anyone tell me why this is. Thankswww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 19 Jan 2011 16:21:11 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1116Please assist. I am using the new web based OASYS and if printing an OASYS patient report on a black and white printer, the work days are in black and therefore the daily graph is obscured behind it. Is there any way to change this as I do not have a colour printer at work and the daily chart print out is not very clear at all if printed at work.www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 14 Jan 2011 10:14:08 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4785#commentsOasys scores related less well to symptoms than cross-shift changes in FEV1 in this group of textile workers. The disease causing the symptoms was less clearwww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 10 Jan 2011 14:39:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1111I have seen two cases of Occupational Asthma recently in employees working in ship repair. Exposures are welding fume, metal dust from grinding, diesel fume, solvents, Epoxy paint. My suspicion is with the epxoy paint. Does anyone have experience of IgE or skin prick tests for epoxy? Does anyone know of a lab that can do the assay?www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 06 Oct 2010 09:28:43 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1108I have a patient who has asthma and who reports that it developed after heavy exposure to fly ash from coal in a power station. Fly ash may have been contaminated with unspecified agents, patient unsure. No prior history of asthma, day of exposure 2-3 hours very dusty - could not see accross the workplace, next day "burning lungs" and cough, progressively worse over following days with tight chest. Asthma diagnosed some months later. As far as I can see no literature on fly ash induced asthma, but convincing history. Does any one have experience of a similar case? Thankswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 30 Sep 2010 12:39:45 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4759#commentsOccupational asthma uncommon 89 cases, 40 RADS, 7 unspecified and 42 sensitisation Bakers 22 Isocyanates 16 Solvents 10 Wood dusts 6 Chlorine 5 Dust 5 (includes a truck driver) Paint fumes 4 Animals 3 www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 15 Sep 2010 11:36:57 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1104Can anybody help? I have a small amount of funding and looking for some help, guidance and support in providing e-learning to help those with Asthma be better informed and supported. I am hoping to make this available free of charge via a new website called (under construction) clickmyhealth.co.uk - in time other conditions will be added. Please do get in contact with me at chris.mason@eblend.co.uk if you are interested. I will need some clinical help as well. Many thanks!www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 13 Sep 2010 11:36:58 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4459#commentsi just completed saving a patient's information when I got a report that an enexpected record has occuredwww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 13 Sep 2010 10:57:33 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4755#comments1. More specific search strategy: (occupational diseases [MH] OR occupational exposure [MH] OR occupational medicine [MH] OR occupational risk [TW] OR occupational hazard [TW] OR (industry [MeSH Terms] mortality [SH]) OR occupational group* [TW] OR work-related OR occupational air pollutants [MH] OR working environment [TW]) AND name(s)-of-the-disease. 2. More sensitive search strategy: (occupational diseases [MH] OR occupational exposure [MH] OR occupational exposure* [TW] OR "occupational health" OR "occupational medicine" OR work-related OR working environment [TW] OR at work [TW] OR work environment [TW] OR occupations [MH] OR work [MH] OR workplace* [TW] OR workload OR occupation* OR worke* OR work place* [TW] OR work site* [TW] OR job* [TW] OR occupational groups [MH] OR employment OR worksite* OR industry) AND name(s)-of-the-disease. Usage notes 1. It is possible to 'copy and paste' each of the two strings into PubMed from a .doc file. Alternatively, the strings can be evoked in PubMed by entering the following shortened URLs in the browser address box: 2. http://tinyurl.com/mattioli-et-al-specific for the 'more specific' string and http://tinyurl.com/mattioli-et-al-sensitive for the 'more sensitive' string. 3. The name-of-the-disease should be entered without any search tag. For diseases that have more than one name, the various 'names-of-the-disease' should be entered in brackets, connected by the OR operator: for example . AND (epicondylitis OR tennis elbow).www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:51:57 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_causative_agent.aspx?id=5#commentsALLERGYS TO CLEANING AGENT CHLORACLEARwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 09 Sep 2010 13:59:23 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1092Do you know whether colophony, when it is a soluble component of paint primer, has been reported as a cause of occ asthma? I have a convincing case and this is the only sensitiser I can recognise. Have scoured the internet without success. www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 16 Aug 2010 11:32:24 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4739#commentsAgent Colistin Job Pharmaceutical warehouseman Specific IgE neg (dot/blot test) Skin prick test not done Non-specific reactivity normal (16mg/ml) Serial Peak Flow not done BAL not done FENO not done Basophil histamine release Not done Specific Challenge positive immediate reaction Follow-up relocated, no symptoms after 6 months www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 21 Jul 2010 19:07:54 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4741#commentsInduced sputum and FeNO measured before, at 7 and 24 hours after specific challenge.A 2.2% increase in sputum eosinophils post challenge had a sensitivity 74-79 % (at 7 and 24 hours) and a specificity of 81% aginst specific challenge in 20 challenge positive and 16 challenge negative subjects (post hoc analysis). FeNO showed no significant change at 7 hours, an increase >10ppb at 24 hours had a sensitivity of 37% for a specificity of 81%. The next stage would be to test the 2.2% increase in eosinophils is subjects whose challenges were equivical in terms of FEV1 decline, or who showed a <20% FEV1 fall post challenge. The mean FEV1 fall in this group was high at 30% (SD 11.45). 14/26 had immediate reactions aline.www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 21 Jul 2010 12:48:09 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1084Can anyone recommend a specialist in the field of continued irritated lungs in the south of England. I worked with waste transformer oils in an unsuitable environment for 10 months suffering from lung problems initially burning and shortness of breath. The company whilst admittiing fume exposure have refused to state what fumes (as thay probabaly dont truely know as it was a waste product). To the best of my knowledge they would have included mineral oil, furfuraldehyde, carbon monoxide, acetalyde, alcohols, solvents (cleaning the bottles), poly chlorinated biphenols, ,various metals,maybe BHT and other unknown oil preservatives at unknown levels. No monitoring or PPE and no complete safety data sheet for this waste product. I also sourced latex gloves which I have since found out are not suitable for use with this type of product. Transformer oil is designed to absorb 2-3 times its weight in gases and the bottles I were handling were deliberatley not sealed to reduce the chances of explosion. The histamine challenge I lasted for about 1 minute in Dec 08 but I had a really bad time metabolising sulbutimol the nebulised stuff made me ill for two days. Had a peak flow score of 2.4 but by that time I got an appointment my company had outsourced the work to a laboratory, and I was being effected by all irritants inside and outside of work and lung function was reduced by things like paint, new carpets, new mdf etc as well as work (in a refinary). At the respiratory clinic they paid no attention or made any reference to my work exposures that started these symptoms. I have avoided all chemicals as far as posssible since jan 09 on doctors advice. I suffer from burning lungs coughing up of phlem and shortness of breath when I come into contact with irritants (smoke, cigarette smoke, sulphur dioxide, bleach some perfumes, tarmac, petrol, solvents, airfreshners etc). Before working there I had no history at all of any asthma and have never smoked. I am looking for any advice on what I should do now a one respiratory consultants and a doctor have said I do not have asthma because I dont have a wheeze or a chronic cough, I just clear my throat and upper airways a lot when aggrevated I wouldn't call it a chronic cough. i have shortage of breath and pain in my lungs. I was also told I would make a recovery if I left work. I have beem chemical free for 18 months and no improvement when exposed. Any advice would be gratefully received. I went back to my GP who recommended a course of antibiotics which I refused. I do not believe I have a chest infection this is the reaction I get everyday irritants on a regular basis but I can no longer afford not to work. When I am shut up in doors or in the open air away from everything I am absolutely fine! However financially I cannot afford to stay at home any more. Any help and advice would be much appreciated. www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 15 Jul 2010 14:42:40 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1082I am a mechanical engineer exposed to various chemical fumes and dust. i have been working as a engineer for 7 years and around two years ago had my first asthma attack. taking over a week in hospital to recover. ever since my asthma has been difficult to manage being off work a lot and taking many courses of steriods and various inhalers. i have been sent to have skin prick tests with the outcome i had allergy to grass dust cat and horse and mould. tests that stated my breathing was 60% of normall. then histamine test with the outcome i was the most sensitive you could be. then my doctor is still sending me to work with the belief i am probally sensitive to something at work and told me to stay away from anything that i feel affects me. where do i go from here. my asthma improves away from work and i had sleepless nights whilst at work. i am worried my health could get worse at work. i would like to claim compensation for my work causing this how can i do this without proving it is occupational? my doctor says that i am just so atopic at the moment i could be caused by anythingwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jun 2010 00:12:52 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1079Having been an asthma sufferer for most of my childhood and now, in my later years, I notice that many household sprays and air-fresheners; e.g. those made by Airwick, Ambi Pur, Glade etc, can make life very unpleasant. I feel that much of the increase in childhood asthma is caused by the introduction of these agents into the home. Has any one carried out a study on the usage and over usage of these chemical sprays and their effect on asthmatic children and adults in the home environment? I would be interested in your commentswww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 08 Jun 2010 09:53:04 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1077Dear sir, is there any association between skin prick test results and Peak Flow metry in workers with asthma?www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 27 May 2010 20:13:53 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1075I have a patient who seems to have irritant-induced asthma (arguably "RADS")from the highly-irritant materials using in making the sets (he is a carpenter) but that really means plastics, etc, rather than wood. Lots of styrene, various alcohols, acetates, ketones, toluene - all in high concentration. Do you have any good references for this? We are unable to get compensation for irritant asthma (RADS) unless it fulfills the original Brooks criteria Do you have any references related to the film industry?www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 27 May 2010 16:13:50 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4722#commentsMostly low risk for occupational asthma apprentices (painters were building painters). More about COPD than asthma, but interesting. No data on exposures after first 2 yearswww.occupationalasthma.comSun, 09 May 2010 18:01:51 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1068Iwould like some advice. November 1, 2010. We purchased a young blue crowned conure. 1 week later I developed laryngitis, which turned into a cough. I have had this productive cough ever since. I have never smoked and we only have one bird (I had a macaw for 18 yrs, it passed away 4 yrs ago). My chest xray, ctscan and pulmonary function tests are all normal. My parents took the conure for 2 months as a test to see if the bird is the cause (my pulmonary doctor thinks it is, but I tested negative to the skin prick test for budgies and chickens). During the 2 months there was improvement but not long lasting, the cough always came back. I have the bird back now, within 24 hrs of bringing the bird home, I have come down with a fever. The fever is not accompanied with shortness of breath and is only at night, for 2 nights in a row. I have always been very healthy. Could I be having an allergic response to my bird? Thank you!!! LD 04/05/2010 www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 04 May 2010 17:17:27 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1065We are in Izmir and have noit been able to work the old Oasys. Now we are excited but cannot find out how to save a copy of the report with the graph onto our own computer. Is this possible?www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 16 Apr 2010 14:01:28 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1062Can oasys 2 beta files be imported into the internet version so that I can combine files or do I have to re-enter all the data?www.occupationalasthma.comSun, 11 Apr 2010 18:08:32 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4714#commentswoodworkers used as a generic group, no speciation to type of woodwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 02 Apr 2010 13:05:30 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4713#commentsnot systematic or evidence basedwww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 02 Apr 2010 13:00:49 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1055We have a staff member who is being investigated for O.A. The worker firmly believes a specific room has caused her to develop O.A Hygiene is awaited. She has been asked to undertake serial peak flows and is doing these regularly in this specific room which is causing her manager some anxiety lest it provokes an acute attack because of the considerable respiratory effort when inhaling. Should she undertake the serial peak flows outwith this area? Will it make any difference to the quality of results? Thankswww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 24 Mar 2010 15:59:28 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=4511#commentsI am a Buffalo NY firefighter. Less than 2 years ago, there was a large pool warehouse fire in the City of Buffalo(6-2-08). The fire burned for over a day, and you could see the dense chemical laden smoke for miles. Many members are now coming down with a variety of health issues. Where or how can we obtain information about studies that have been conducted following similar fires, or how can we arrange to have a study conducted relating to the long term health impacts for the personnel that were at the fire.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 20 Mar 2010 13:17:30 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=3033#comments15 yrs ago I was an endoscopy nurse, working with gluteraldehyde on a daily basis, I now have severe asthma. Can I or should I go back to my employer for compensation?www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 05 Feb 2010 00:11:12 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=3437#commentswhy do you advertise an article if you cant find it. This is annoying. Not even when I go the journal that supposedly published it I just cant find it. Is this fraudwww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 03 Feb 2010 13:51:55 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1038Hi cedd/colleague Thanks for your kindly sharing the program. I have copied filled into C:\program file\oasys and changed the OGRAPH.txt to OGRAPH.exe. However, I sitll can not install the program. there is always a box poping out, saying "16bit MS DOS subsystem,NTVDM CPV has already met a illegal instruction, CS:057B IP:0112 OP:63 72 6f 73 6f, please close and stop the program". My computer system is windos xp 64bit. Thanks so much!www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 21 Jan 2010 12:11:44 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1036HI have the files, have installed and renamed the set up file with help from IT support but the programme is not working.....is there any techncial help avaialble? My name is Karen however the peroson who is helping me is Nicky Richards on 02380 621837www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 18 Jan 2010 16:22:06 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4706#commentsa good reviewwww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 13 Jan 2010 15:44:04 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=3971#commentsi kindly request to help me in my work on asthma by sending me the articles regarding invitro models used for asthma. Pleasewww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 11 Jan 2010 12:02:10 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1028Good morning and a Healthy New Year from Canada. I am a Horticultural Consultant My question to you: Do you have any information about asthma and allergy causing shrubs and trees (common and botanical name please)?www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 04 Jan 2010 09:55:16 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4702#commentsevidence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comSun, 20 Dec 2009 16:02:36 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4701#commentsevidence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Dec 2009 13:01:51 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4699#commentsEvidence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Dec 2009 11:46:40 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4697#commentsevidence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:26:26 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4694#commentsNasal challenge a better test than the glove use test in workers with positive latex skin prick testswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:25:42 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4692#commentsEviddence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 17 Dec 2009 15:59:24 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4691#commentsevidence tablewww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 17 Dec 2009 13:08:50 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1011Doctor interested in uses of SPT/RASTwww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 15 Dec 2009 12:19:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4505#commentsI have questions about the relationship of firefighting and WRA. Do you have any information on this? JIm Dunn (email: jim@mickdunn.com)www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 12 Nov 2009 16:04:07 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4676#commentsWork-agravated asthma defined as a history of an asthma attack or the use of asthma medication or nsbr, plus work-related chest symptoms but no IgE to amylase or wheat. No attempt to look at latent intervals or prior asthmawww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 26 Oct 2009 17:12:31 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=1002I am an Insurance broker carrying out some researchwww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:05:56 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=997I have a patient whose history is very suggestive of Occ Asthma and am trying to identify the sensitiser. PFRs are not available as he has had to leave due to symptoms++++. He was exposed to paint primer containing colophony for 10+yrs, but I cannot find anything in literature other than of course fumes from solder flux. Do you have any knowledge that colophony in paint is sufficiently volatile to cause asthma?www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 12 Oct 2009 10:53:04 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=995In calculating diurnal variability I'm under the impression that the oasy's group suggest change in peak flow/predicted as a marker of variability rather than % change from baseline i.e am-pm/highest if so what do you classify as a significant effect ? 10% of predicted or ?20% www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:25:23 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=994I have a chap with 6 weeks of good PEFR monitoring from early 2005 whom I suspect has constitutional asthma well before coming into contact with hexamine in 2000. His symptoms worsened from 2002 and he was removed from the plant in 2005 after 6 weeks of pefr monitoring in and out of work. I was not convinced that his PEFR during chemical exposure were much different in and out of work although he did appear to have more diurnal variability on work days around 10% of predicted his oasys score was 2.41. I wonder if he has a dgree of worsening of asthma due to exposure rather than true OA. strong family Hx of asthma and had previously been investigated by PEFR in the 90's and again in 1998 with no confirmed diagnisis but always a low PEFR ~450 (Pred 540 at that time) and occasional improvement with ventolin. He also did 2 weeks of pefr at work but in a different part of the plant where he was not exposed to hexamine prior to the above monitoring. His oasys score was surprisingly 3.0 but he only had one day off so I assume this is a confounding factor?www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:22:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=392#comments101 records from occupational asthmatics and 36 records from non-occupational asthmatics were used to assess the Oasys score. Sensitivity was 81.8% for records of 4 weeks' duration and 70% for those of 2 weeks' duration (specificity 93.8 and 82.4% respectively). The sensitivity fell to 56.7% if there were only 2 consecutive workdays in each work period. Although best at 8 readings per day, sensitivity and specificity were acceptable with four daily readings (82.4 and 87%). The effect of defining a record as being of adequate quality if it was of =2.5 weeks' duration, with =4 readings per day and =3 consecutive workdays in each work period, was tested in records not used in the initial data reduction process. The sensitivity and specificity respectively of adequate records were 78.1 and 91.8 versus 63.6 and 83.3% for inadequate records. www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:11:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=990no rotation or rest time in pharmaceutical industry workers, who handle penicillin to decrease awareness? There is evidence that major breaks or rotations decrease sensitization?www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 30 Sep 2009 21:36:23 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=988I would like to know at what level Formeldehyde or what amount of Formeldehyde can cause someone like me to have occupationalasthma because the company i work for are sending a team of enginers to see if the levels were high enough to have cause me asthma .This machine is fitted with u v light dryer oven and a Gas oven the gas oven being 100 yards long the u.v. oven is approx 12foot by 8foot the purpose of this machine is to coat paper and film with chemicals including Acrylates and Formeldehyde and many others I have put a claim in and it now depends on the enginers report at what temperature does it have to be to be active could it room temp.www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 22 Sep 2009 13:39:20 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=3980#comments Could I pease obtain a copy of the following article for educational purposes? McCoach JS, Robertson AS, Burge PS, Floor cleaning materials as a cause of occupational asthma, -, 1999; : 5:459-464 Thank you in anticipation, Bridget Gardnerwww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 15 Sep 2009 02:24:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=983We are now looking for good respiratory occupational questionnaire. We found the name MRCQ on respiratory symptoms, but did not find the questionnaire itself. Another questionnaire is the OSHA Q and the NIOSH Q. What do you recommend? The study is about the change in PFT due to flour exposure. Thanks for your kind advice www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 25 Aug 2009 09:49:21 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=979I am a Welfare Rights Adviser/representative working with clients with industrial diseases including occupational asthma. I note that Commissioners Decision CI/564/2005 makes reference to a referral for advice to the "Occupational Asthma Sensitiser Information Service" (OASIS) in Wilmslow. I have been unable to find this organisation, but wondered if you were now doing this work. Are you able to provide advice and information to claimant's representatives?www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 20 Jul 2009 09:58:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=977I am an intensive care consultant who has been asked by my anaesthetic colleagues to assist them with a gentleman who may require intensive care following a hernia repair. He has been diagnosed with occupational asthma secondary to isocyanates. He is therfore retired on health groundsWe are hoping to carry out his surgery as soon as possible but we wondered if you had any information ergarding any medical equipment, devices or drugs which may exacerbate his condition or may contain isocyanates and therefore be contra indicated. If you do not know, is there a drug or devices advisory group that could assist us. Many thankswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 16 Jul 2009 18:28:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4633#comments51% (of 150 referrals to the Finnish Institute) had serial PEF done by the referring chest physicians. Of these 83% had >=14 workdays and 81% >=2 periods off work, 79% >=8 workdays and 73% >=4 readings/day, 87% best 2 readings within 20l/min. 52% met all 5 criteria (31/150)www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 15 Jul 2009 14:56:36 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=973I have suffered a devastating respiratory syndrome with chronic non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity and multiple chemical sensitivity. It was caused by the odours released by a photocopier and a laser printer at work. I would like to hear of other possible similar cases (slowly I am discovering some more) in order to have better chances of improving the medical and social outcomes that at present are very discouraging. Please leave message.www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 02 Jul 2009 14:53:50 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4640#commentsEvidence Table:www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 15 Jun 2009 12:23:14 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4638#commentsnot so new, eg Waclawski ER, McAlpine LG, Thomson NC, Occupational asthma in nurses due to chlorhexidine and alcohol aerosols, Br Med J, 1989; 298 : 929-930www.occupationalasthma.comSun, 07 Jun 2009 21:03:49 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4631#commentsThere is nothing on allergy to horses in this paper which might be the most important cause of respiratory symptomswww.occupationalasthma.comSun, 07 Jun 2009 19:10:06 GMT