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[Diagnostic approach occupational asthma]
O Vandenplas1, A Larbanois, J P Delwiche
1Service de Pneumologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont-Godinne, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgique. olivier.vandenplas@pneu.ucl.ac.be
Abstract:
Occupational asthma is associated with significant medical and socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, the diagnosis should be based on objective and accurate evidence. Available diagnostic procedures include the clinical history, measurement of non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness, monitoring of expiratory peak flows at work, and specific inhalation challenges in the laboratory. Advantages and limitations of these tests are discussed in order to propose a pragmatic diagnostic approach where specific inhalation challenges play a central role.