Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
40.2K
Work-exacerbated asthma and occupational asthma: do they really differ?
Catherine Lemière1, Louis-Phillippe Boulet, Simone Chaboillez
1Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal (Québec) Canada, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. catherine.lemiere@umontreal.ca
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 13, 2012
Summary
Work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) shows greater severity and a noneosinophilic phenotype compared to occupational asthma (OA). Both conditions significantly increase healthcare use and costs versus non-work-related asthma (NWRA).
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) is common and burdensome, yet data remain limited.
- Understanding WEA's characteristics and impact is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare clinical, functional, and inflammatory features of WEA versus occupational asthma (OA).
- Compare healthcare utilization and costs for work-related asthma (WRA: WEA + OA) versus non-work-related asthma (NWRA).
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study with 2-year follow-up.
- Diagnosis of OA and WEA based on specific inhalation challenge test results (positive for OA, negative for WEA).
Main Results:
- WEA subjects (n=53) showed higher inhaled corticosteroid use, a noneosinophilic phenotype, and a trend toward lower FEV1 compared to OA subjects (n=68).
- Work-related asthma (WRA) patients incurred 10-fold higher healthcare use and costs than NWRA patients (n=33).
- WEA was also associated with a higher proportion of smokers than OA.
Conclusions:
- WEA appears to be more severe than OA, with distinct noneosinophilic features.
- Both OA and WEA significantly increase healthcare utilization and direct costs compared to NWRA.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
1.5K
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.5K
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
3.6K
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
3.6K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
4.7K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
4.7K
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
3.5K
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
3.5K
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
112
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
112
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
49
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
49