http://www.occupationalasthma.com/forums.aspxNew Forum Questions added on www.occupationalasthma.com60http://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 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4626#commentsIncludes an interesting discussion on thioredoxins in bakers asthmawww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 20 May 2009 14:44:26 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=963I am a 57 year old male I worked up until 4 years ago as an Auto Electrician where I had this occupation for 10 years prior to this. During this period I designed and built Electrical Systems for the Security Industry inside specialised vehicles during this time I soldered wiring for 4 to 6 hours a day sometimes longer in a confined area with no extraction system, is it possible that solder fumes have given me Emphysema ? I smoked for nine years stopping 29 years ago smoking l5-20 per day. I have an X ray from 1992 showing there is no Emphysema in my Lungs, is it possible this occupation caused this illness. www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 18 May 2009 11:07:22 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4495#commentsSpecific challenge possible in 8/11 (2 FEV1 too low, one anaphylactic on skin test), sensitivity when done 100%, specificity7/8, 87.5%). Challenges with potassium persulphate 5-30g diluted in 150g lactose and tipped, persulphate air levels 1-6mg/m3 during 10 minute tipping exposures. One late reaction in unexposed asthmatic at 30g/150g. NSBR normal in 2/8, sensitivity 75%, specificity1/8 (12.5%). (3/8 not currently exposed, no information on whether these were reactive or not. PEF done in the 5 still at work, 2 weeks at work 2 weeks off, positive in 4/5 (80%), criteria not given. Skin prick tests at 5% weight/vol sensitivity 4/8 (50%) specificity 8/8 (100%)www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 14 May 2009 09:01:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4588#commentsthanks sirwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 30 Apr 2009 02:18:17 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4494#commentsSpecificity of wheezing at work 85%, sensitivity 40%. Improvement weekends sensitivity 76% specificity 54%. Improvement holidays sensitivity 74$ specificity 57%.Loss of voice negatively associated with positice challenge. Predictive model set up and tested on same population, Unlikely to be generally valid as lack of nasal itching excludes OA at first step.www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 23 Apr 2009 18:03:06 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=953i AM A BAKER AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BAKERS ASTHMA BUT I AM WORRIED THAT I HAVE NOT HAD A BLOOD TEST CARRIED OUTwww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 15 Apr 2009 23:30:16 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=341#commentscan i have a paper about occupational asthma induced isocyanate. thank you.www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 13 Apr 2009 14:29:49 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4608#commentsDespite the abstract this is a cross-sectional study, with no attempt to randomly sample the elite athletes. The cold exposed athletes had less NSBR than the swimmers suggesting a less severely affected group, making comparisons between the sputum results of the athletes difficult. The study supports the hypothesis that these groups of athletes develop epithelial damage asa a result of their sport.www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 08 Apr 2009 21:50:23 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=135#commentsCedd and Sherwood, glad to see Shield is still up and running. Do you think the drop in reports is due to a real drop in the incidence of OA or a drop in reporting? What was the accountant doing with isocyantes?? Paul www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 02 Apr 2009 08:54:01 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=942Hi, Do you have any further details relating to the outbreaks of occupational asthma cases in Noel Village, Sheffield. Regardswww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:01:52 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4597#commentsno crackles, first case with single exposurewww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 19 Mar 2009 16:39:10 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=938A patient 42 years old clean car glasses in a factory with isopropyl alcohol products. He has respiratory symptoms, wheezing are present sometimes in the chest, he has rhinitis .We did not find eosynophils in nasal secretions.He has IgE very high and cutaneous allergen test negative. Methacolin test negative. Spirometry with and without salbutamol.PEF in the work are low. I can not find asthma association with alcohol products. Can you help me to analize this clinical case?www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 11 Mar 2009 23:08:45 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=933I am a Health & Safety specialist, I would like to know if any research has been carried out relating to chefs working in commercial kitchens and occupational lung disease?www.occupationalasthma.comSun, 08 Mar 2009 11:54:55 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=931Hi, I suffer with occupational asthma caused by aluminium (I don't work in the foundry). Can you please email me this paper - "Occupational asthma caused by aluminium" cannot seem to find it anywhere on this site or on the web.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 28 Feb 2009 13:48:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4475#commentsThe decision to label a case of asthma as being occupationally-induced remains a matter of clinical judgment. Identifying the specific cause of occupational asthma is often much more difficult than identifying an asthma-work relationship.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 21 Feb 2009 08:57:56 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=925I am 45 years old and have worked on the shopfloor of an aluminium producing company for the past 25 years.I have been involved in the processes in all parts of the factory except for the foundry area where they smelt and form the cast slab. Over the past 5 years I ahve been suffering with my tightness of my chest and difficulty with breathing, walking,climbing stairs. I have been diagnosed with ocuupational asthma and more recently given medication. Wll it be possible for me to claim against the company for breach of duty? Regardswww.occupationalasthma.comSat, 21 Feb 2009 00:30:46 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=923Hello. My daughter is an asthma sufferer. I would like to know if sodium hypochloride which they use in our local swimming pool is a trigger for an attack. History - We had 6 weeks of my daughter being ill with asthma before Christmas so we stopped the lessons she was having and re-started them a fortnight ago. Last week after her lesson she become ill with asthma. The swimming lessons are the only consistent thing in all of that time as she was not at Pre-school and has now started school which is a new environment. Would you please take the time to answer my problem as I am in a dilemna as to whether we should stop the lessons. Many thanks www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 19 Feb 2009 11:47:56 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=211#commentsThis article purports to show that reduced exposure is as good as complete removal from latex. The first assessment was done after substantial reduction in exposure having not worn latex gloves for months or years, but remained exposed to latex in the air from coworkers. At follow-up the reduced exposure group were exposed to less than 20 latex gloves used in their department/week or only sterile low allergen gloves were used. There were no air measurements made. None of the comparisons tested differences between the reduced exposure and no exposure groups. There are no redsults for the initial latex IgE levels, or changes at follow-up. The reduced exposure group took a mean 112 minutes of exposure in the initial challenge, vs 60 mins for the complete removal group, who were initially and at follow-up on more treatment, suggesting that the reduced exposure group were less severe at presentation. It is not safe to conclude from this paper that reduced exposure to latex is as good as no exposure.www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 14 Jan 2009 22:05:17 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4575#commentslength of symptomatic exposure most important factor in prognosiswww.occupationalasthma.comSun, 11 Jan 2009 12:29:01 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4563#commentsEvidence Table: www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 10 Jan 2009 18:44:46 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4552#commentsDespite a lot of work, the case for or against occupational asthma was not made as the deciding test was an analysis of erial pef by 2 experts based on a lack of changes or diurnal variation on work and rest days without any other reported analysis. No challenge done, reaction called irritantwww.occupationalasthma.comSat, 10 Jan 2009 16:11:00 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=911recently introduced into hospital product is licencesed as a biocide contains 2% chlorhexidine in isopropyl alcohol also applied by use pump dispenser generating a mist. Previous product 0.5% chlorhexidine and applied use of swab in solution. Basis for Increase in % chlorhexidine is to improve efficacy of skin disinfection. re MRSA ,HIA etc Irritant symptoms of cough shortly after use in staff using HAVE others in health care establishments had problems with chest symptoms ? removed product ref in BMJ 8 april 1989 Dr Waclawski to occupational asthma in nurses caused by chlorhexidine/alcohol aerosolswww.occupationalasthma.comFri, 05 Dec 2008 10:56:04 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=909I have been diagnosed with Bird fanciers lung, but so long as I keep away from birds I should be ok (we had africian greys, amazons and budgies in that were kept in the home. Does anyone know if I would have the same problem with owls, they would be kept outside in a large avairy, any info would be great I would ask my consultant but I do not need to see her for 6 months. Many thankswww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 04 Dec 2008 13:02:10 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4519#comments6/30 workers making fireworks fro aluminium flake had ILD, upper zone. 2 died after removal from exposure. Huge air measurements and lung burden, good histologywww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 01 Dec 2008 11:35:21 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=903Hi Cedd / colleagues Thanks for sending me the beta version- my old PC hard drive crashed with my last version. Unfortunately I can't get the setup programme to do anything: I have successfully renamed it from .doc to exe.www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 20 Nov 2008 22:21:49 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=900Please inform: What can happen to workers and inhabitants of areas with cement plants and high amounts of chisel (silicone) dust in the air? Bestwww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 17 Nov 2008 10:52:42 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=129#commentsAlso reported in 2006: Horse chestnut extract: First report of occupational asthma: case report Source: Reactions, Volume 1, Numbers 1097-1098, 2006-04-15 , pp. 15-15(1)www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 28 Oct 2008 10:02:26 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4503#commentsThe group studied were those at recruitment who had rare and/or mild attacks of of dyspnoea with FEV1 >70% predicted (called normal) and <10% fall in FEV1 after a formal test for exercise induced asthma. The study probably rerpresents recurrence of some pre-existing abnormality rather than de-novo asthma. There is a group who had no prior respiratory symptoms or evidence of asthma, but there are no results for this group.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 25 Oct 2008 18:15:52 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4493#commentsPositive challenge, positive PEF, 20 year latent interval.www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 24 Oct 2008 11:15:22 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=884what impact could there be on someone with COPD who has recurrent chest infections, working in an enclosed environment with bakery ovens? A warm environment obviosly but with a low ceiling and only a desk fan - single operator use. This chap is 61, worked in a bakery for 33 years but only the last few exclusively with the ovens; is a non smoker and was diagnosed with COPD 10 months ago and since then has had 2 severe chest infections necessitating sickness absence. I am trying to ascertain what impact the lack of ventilation and heat may have on his COPD and whether this could be exacerbating or making him more prone to chest infections. thank youwww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 20 Oct 2008 19:33:35 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4499#commentsThese are consensus statements rather than evidence-based guidelines. The main consensus statements are as follows 1. In all individuals with new-onset or worsening asthma, take a history to screen for WRA (OA and WEA). Then confirm the diagnosis of asthma and investigate to determine whether the patient has WRA, performing these tests, whenever possible, prior to advising the patient to change jobs. 2. In all individuals with suspected WRA, obtain a history of job duties, exposures,industry, use of protective devices/equipment, nd the presence of respiratory disease in coworkers, and consult material safety data sheets (MSDSs), which list many recognized hazardous agents. Document the onset and timing of symptoms, medication use, and lung function, and their temporal relationship to periods at and away from work. 3. In individuals who have asthma not caused by work but that subsequently worsens while working, consider the diagnosis of WEA, which is usually based on changes in symptoms, medication use, and/or lung function temporally related to work. 4. In individuals with suspected sensitizerinduced OA, in addition to carefully documenting the occupational history, perform additional objective tests when feasible (eg, serial peak flow recordings, serial methacholine challenges, immunologic assessments, induced sputum testing, and SICs) to improve the diagnostic probability. 5. In individuals with suspected WRA who are currently working at the job in question, record serial measurements of peak flow as part of the diagnostic evaluation and ask the patient to record these optimally a minimum of four times daily, for at least 2 weeks at work and 2 weeks off work. 6. In individuals with suspected sensitizerinduced OA, working at the job in question, perform a methacholine challenge test or obtain comparable measurements of nonspecific airway responsiveness during a working period, and repeat it during a period (optimally, at least 2 weeks) away from the work exposure to identify work-related changes. 7. In individuals with suspected sensitizerinduced OA, perform immunologic tests (skin prick testing or in vitro specific IgE assays) to identify sensitization to specific work allergens when these tests are technically reliable and available. 8. In individuals with suspected sensitizerinduced OA, conducting an SIC (where available) is suggested when the diagnosis or causative agent remains equivocal; however, this testing should only be performed in specialized facilities, with medical supervision throughout the testing. 9. For all individuals with WRA, attempt better control of exposures. Remove patients with sensitizer-induced OA from further exposure to the causative agent in addition to providing other asthma management. 10. In individuals with irritant-induced asthma or WEA, the panel advises optimizing asthma treatment and reducing the exposure to relevant workplace triggers. If not successful, change to a workplace with fewer triggers is suggested in order to control asthma. 11. For workers who are potentially exposed to sensitizers or uncontrolled levels of irritants, the panel advises primary prevention through the control of exposures (eg, elimination, substitution, process modification, respirator use, and engineering control). 12. An individual diagnosis of OA represents a potential sentinel health event: * Evaluate the workplace to identify and prevent other cases of OA in the same setting; and * For work environments with potential exposure to sensitizers, the Panel advises secondary preventive measures including medical surveillance using tools such as questionnaires, spirometry,and, where available, immunologic tests.www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 18 Oct 2008 19:07:20 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4492#commentsAlso a positive immediate reaction to potassium dichromate at 10mg/ml. ? specific at this concentrationwww.occupationalasthma.comThu, 16 Oct 2008 18:35:03 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4487#commentsEvidence Table:www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 09 Oct 2008 09:58:25 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=869i have been using cyanacrylate glues for 2 years making lampshades. i have never ever suffered with asthma and after a couple of months working with the glue i started being ill. my doctor gave me an inhaler and when the illness got worse he referred me to a respiratory consultant. the consultant now wants me to have second opinion as he thinks it is occupational asthma and wants to prove it. am i able to make a claim for compensation from my employer? i have recently left that job www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 26 Sep 2008 23:06:00 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=85#commentshow do you set the reference values PEF & FEV1? how do you find what values are for you? please help jimbopilwww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 24 Sep 2008 00:22:44 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4238#commentsMay I have more information regarding botled waterwww.occupationalasthma.comMon, 08 Sep 2008 01:37:08 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=1208#commentsPlease send me emails about new plantation methods to rosington@gmail.com. or call to my phone number +94722306831www.occupationalasthma.comSun, 07 Sep 2008 10:33:29 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=860Once a year I go to Forida to visit my son. He has many birds, but one of them is a cockateil. He also has large exotic birds. I read that one of the women said that she was allergic to such a bird. I never blamed it on them. I would alway sget sick with Bronchitis, and then have it for weeks even after I get home. Is this possible? I have it now 6 weeks,and am on an inhaler and a new antibiotic. Hopefully this is the end of it. www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 01 Sep 2008 13:47:48 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4472#commentsEvidence Table:www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 27 Aug 2008 09:46:41 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4473#commentsBakers with occupatiuonal asthma caused by flour very rarely have adverse reactions when eating cooked bread. This paper reports patients with food allergy shown to be due to wheat following double blind food challenge who had asthma or rhinitis following inhaled challenge with nebulised wheat proteins. Two worked in bakeries as salers (I'm not sure what job this is, but translates as a salter, one who adds salt), 2 were cooks, the other 4 had jobs unrelated to wheat exposure. www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:09 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=853I am working as in tobacco processing industry.Here there are tobacco dust, humid tobacco smell(unburnt)and we always touch tobacco materials?What are the risk?www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 15 Aug 2008 13:23:12 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=84#commentsI had childhood asthma, it went away until i was exposed to sulfuric acid in 1998..resulting in chemical pneumonitis or chemical pneumonia i guess it is also called...and respitory adema, it was treated and appeared to be all cleared up, however , beginning within 6 months ( or sooner) i have since had increasing, worsening problems attributed to asthma , chronic bronchitis and pneumonia ( repeated as i said)diagnosis have varied ..including aforementioned and pneumonitis. I have since been working in the oilfield and presently am a driller of natural gas wells, rig is diesel electric with very little exhaust to were i control the rig, my job is usually pretty free of irritants, although it can be stressful. I spent 1 week in the hospital 2 months ago, in the respitory unit on o2 thereapy , stearoids and antibiotics and at their suggestion have filed to reopen claim due to worsening condition, it was denied. Do you think these chronic problems can or may be from that exposure? it was high concentration mist from 98% sulfuric acid over 15 minutes in an enclosed space..as well as burns on face and hands from liquid. Any suggested references? I am filing an appeal and need references since they are saying it is due to my asthma and not the exposure, but i believe them to be connected. Anyway any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou,www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 02 Aug 2008 23:58:16 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4296#commentsEvidence table:www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:44:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4401#commentsEvidence table:www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:43:03 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4412#commentsEvidence table:www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:42:20 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4421#commentsEvidence table:www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:41:49 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4465#commentsEvidence table:www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:39:22 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4467#commentsKey messages from the consesus statement.www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:36:00 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4466#commentsAlthough the challenge test did not show a decline in FEV1, the symptoms and changes in NSBR suggest that there might have been an asthmatic element to the disease. Serial PEF at work would have helped to establish or refute thiswww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 22 Jul 2008 16:35:59 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4464#commentsThe conclusions that the reactions are irriotant is not supported by the positive spt to chamomile and the subsequent demonstration of a positive challenge test to chamomile dustwww.occupationalasthma.comTue, 22 Jul 2008 11:42:17 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4463#commentsA confusing title. There is good evidence of allergy (latent interval, prior rhinitis, late reaction). The search for specific IgE was negative suggesting a non-IgE mediated mechanism rather than a non-allergic mechanism.www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 22 Jul 2008 10:56:14 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4389#commentsThis paper defines work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) as asthma with work-related symptoms and a negative specific challenge test. Occupational asthma (OA) was diagnosed when the challenge tests were positive, unrelated to the presence or absence of a latent interval or pre-existing asthma (including some with workplace challenge tests for both WEA and OA).There were 15 with work-exerbated asthma exposed to flour (1), latex (1), isocyanates (3), glutaraldhyde (1), triethanolamine (1) and 8 unidentified. 4 0f the 19 with occupational asthma had no identified agent. Medication was kept the same throught peak flow monitoring (2 weeks at work and 2 weeks away from work)but long acting beta agonists were stopped for specific and methacholine challenges. PEF variability was expressed as the diurnal PEF variation and calculated using thr highest amplitude percentage and the mean amplitude percentage for the work and off work days. A paired t-test was used to compare work against off work and a students t-test to compare WEA with OA. The number of days wehere diurnal variation was over 20% was also analysed as well as Oasys scores and a qualitative approach (visual analysis of PEF graphs by 5 experts). Results: Occupational asthmatics had a slightly longer duration of exposure, and both groups had increased symptoms at work. Both showed an increased diurnal variability of PEF at work compared with off work, but the OA's were slightly higher at work. A greater percentage of the occupational asthmatics showed >20% diurnal variation on more work days than the WEA's. 6 records from each group (OA and WEA) had Oasys scores >2.5. Agreement between expert vsual analysis was low (Cohen K 0.27-0.7). The discussion indicates that peak flows could not entirely differentiate between OA and WEA. The low number of Oasys positives could have been caused by the continuation of long acting beta agonists which were stopped for challenges (not written in the paper). The authors indicate that a stepwise approach to diagnosing OA is required and that although PEFs are an asset to confirming work-related problems, specific challenges are still the best method.www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 16 Jul 2008 15:35:40 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=823My question concerns acceptable levels of FEV1 decline year on year so I can incorporate it into my review of my respiratory surveillance programme. My research led me to the following conclusion:" The normal annual rate of decline in nonsmokers is 30 mls/year and is significant if greater than 90 mls/year even if the FVC and FEV1 are both greater than 80% of the expected value. The FEV1 decline over a year will not be picked up by the spirometer, making it all the more important for results to be compared with previous records wherever possible. If the FEV1 has reduced by more than 30 mls since the last spirometry then the case notes should be forwarded to an OHA/OHP for review as per company guidelines" Would you please advise if the level of acceptable FEV1 decline is is incorrect and I will amend the programme instructions www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 04 Jul 2008 10:36:34 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=820I was consulted recently by a ceiling carpenter who installed ceilings made of rhinoboard and a resin or hardener. He cut the ceilings with an angle grinder so lots of dust. Developed asthma while doing this (no prior asthma). Asthma worse at work. My question is: resins and hardeners are well established causes of asthma in their manufacture and during exposure while mixing. But what about exposure once the resin or hardener has dried i.e. exposure to the dust? Thanks www.occupationalasthma.comTue, 01 Jul 2008 14:38:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4462#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Occupational asthma due to tampico fiber from agave leaves"www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 26 Jun 2008 15:47:10 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4454#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Exposure-response analysis of allergy and respiratory symptoms in endotoxin-exposed adults "www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 18 Jun 2008 19:48:57 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=812Please Help I have worked within the motor vehicle repair industry for 25 years, some of that time as a paint sprayer with no problems, unfortunately I have been unable to work for the past four years after supervising the spray paint-shop for 6 months, I was unable to continue working within the spray paint-shop as whilst in there my breathing became restricted, I was also experiencing chest pains, and had constant flu like symptoms, Unknowingly I had been exposed to isocyantes on a daily basis for about 12 months due to faulty equipment, my GP signed me off sick, and approximately 3 months later I managed to see an asthma specialist/professor, at this time my condition had got worse, and I was now getting severe allergic/asthma type reactions that were now being triggered by perfumes, washing powders ,aftershaves, paints, petrol /diesel fumes, just to name a few, upon smelling these products my breathing became restricted, my eyes and face get a burning sensation, and I feel as if I need to be sick, I usually become disorientated and unable breath normally until l am away from the triggers and into fresh air, if the smell is too strong I can't breath at all, once I have recovered I become exhausted and usually have a skin rash on my face, the Asthma/ professor told me this condition was beyond his sphere of competence and that in his opinion I did not have OA, my condition still remains the same to this day and has not improved ,Does this sound like Occupational Asthma to anyone ?do I need a second opinion? www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 28 May 2008 19:19:19 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=811I am an Occupational Health Nurse and work in a fish processing plant, mainly salmon. Whilst I carry out respiratory health surveillance I am interested to know is atopy likely to cause any pre disposition to sensitisation of the fish proteins? I would also welcome any information regarding the diagnosis of occuaptional asthma from fish proteins, I am particularly interested in the testing required and how the fish protein is determined as the cause of asthma as I understand specific IgE test does not always provide reliable results. Many thankswww.occupationalasthma.comWed, 28 May 2008 09:47:59 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=78#commentsComments for the page titled: "Bird Fancier's Lung"www.occupationalasthma.comThu, 08 May 2008 17:05:22 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/forumviewquestion.aspx?id=803I wonder if you can help me. I have successfully entered data for a patient and produced reports. However, I have realised that the first set of readings (which were form 2004 and never analysed) need Miller Correction. However, when I have tried to edit the record, the icon is not available nor are any relevant drop down menu choices. I tried creating a new record to adjust from the beginning but with the same problem.www.occupationalasthma.comWed, 07 May 2008 08:12:24 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4446#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Long-Term Outcomes in a Prospective Cohort of Apprentices Exposed to High-Molecular-Weight Agents "www.occupationalasthma.comSat, 03 May 2008 17:43:59 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4442#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers in Delhi"www.occupationalasthma.comMon, 28 Apr 2008 16:31:32 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4439#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Respiratory effects of occupational exposures in a milk powder factory"www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4336#commentsComments for the paper titled: "The validation of work-related self-reported asthma exacerbation"www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4338#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Clinical investigation of an outbreak of alveolitis and asthma in a car engine manufacturing plant"www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4339#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Occupational asthma in the developing and industrialised world: a review"www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:02 GMThttp://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_viewreference.aspx?id=4348#commentsComments for the paper titled: "Defining and investigating occupational asthma: a consensus approach"www.occupationalasthma.comFri, 18 Apr 2008 16:29:02 GMT