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New Research - May 2009
Acute irritant-induced occupational asthma may produce long-term symptoms and pathology
These investigators from Montreal reassessed 35 subjects who had experienced acute episodes of irritant-induced asthma via exposures in the workplace. Chlorine was the most common irritant, accounting for 57% of cases. The patients were reassessed at a mean time interval of 13.6 ± 5.2 years. At reassessment, all subjects still had respiratory symptoms and 68% (24) were on inhaled steroids. There was no significant improvement in FEV1 or FEV1/FVC. Of the 23 subjects who underwent methacholine challenge, only six had normal responsiveness (all subjects showed increased bronchial hyperreactivity at the time of diagnosis). Six of the 27 subjects undergoing induced sputum examination had elevated levels of eosinophils. Sputum levels of inflammatory and remodeling mediators were higher than in controls, but not different from subjects who had experienced occupational asthma related to sensitization. Quality of life and depression scores were high in the irritant-induced asthma group.
From these data, the authors concluded that irritant-induced occupational asthma can have significant long-term impact.
Reference
Malo J-L. Long-term outcomes of acute irritant-induced asthma. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2009; 179(10):923-928.
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