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Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Occupational exposure to inhalative irritants and methacholine responsiveness
P Leuenberger1, C Schindler, J Schwartz
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Lausanne, Switzerland. philippe.leuenberger@chuv.hosped.ch
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|May 19, 2000
Summary
Occupational exposure to irritants like dusts and fumes increases bronchial reactivity in never smokers. This effect is more pronounced in atopic individuals, indicating a heightened sensitivity to workplace respiratory hazards.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health and environmental medicine
- Pulmonary immunology
- Respiratory toxicology
Background:
- Occupational irritant exposures are linked to respiratory symptoms.
- Methacholine responsiveness offers a sensitive measure of airway responsiveness, potentially reducing recall bias.
- Atopic individuals may exhibit amplified responses to occupational airway insults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-reported occupational exposure to inhalative irritants (dusts, gases, vapors, aerosols, fumes) and methacholine responsiveness.
- To determine if atopy modifies this relationship.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 3044 never-smoking adults from 8 Swiss regions was analyzed.
- Atopy was defined by positive skin tests to 8 common inhalative allergens.
- Nonspecific bronchial reactivity was assessed via methacholine chloride challenge, quantifying dose-response curves.
Main Results:
- Occupational exposure to dusts, fumes, vapors, gases, or aerosols was associated with a 19% increase in methacholine responsiveness.
- This association was significantly stronger in atopic never-smokers (37% increase) and those with multiple positive skin tests (42% increase).
- Vapors and aerosols showed a strong link to increased reactivity among atopic subjects.
Conclusions:
- Occupational exposure to dusts and fumes is linked to increased bronchial reactivity in never-smokers.
- The impact of occupational irritants on airway reactivity is amplified in atopic individuals.
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