Occupational asthma in a fruit and vegetables vendor

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Allergology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Mushroom spores, specifically basidiospores, are known allergens capable of causing sensitization.
• Exposure can lead to allergic reactions including asthma, contact dermatitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old atopic woman with 26 years of experience selling fruits and vegetables reported a 3-year history of asthma symptoms during colder months.
• She was occupationally exposed to mushroom spores at her market stall.

Findings:

• Diagnostic tests revealed a severe respiratory deficit with a positive bronchodilator response.
• Skin prick tests for common allergens were negative, but a prick-to-prick test with Pleurotus ostreatus was positive.
• Environmental assessment indicated poor air exchange in her marketplace stall.

Implications:

• The case confirms occupational asthma induced by Pleurotus ostreatus spores.
• Advising the patient to cease handling mushrooms resulted in complete remission of asthma symptoms.
• This highlights the importance of environmental assessment and allergen avoidance in managing occupational respiratory diseases.