Related Experiment Videos
Occupational asthma and IgE sensitization in a pharmaceutical company processing psyllium
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|May 1, 1987
Summary
Occupational asthma and psyllium sensitization were evaluated in pharmaceutical workers. A significant percentage showed allergic reactions and lung function changes, indicating a risk from psyllium exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Allergology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, a laxative, is produced in a pharmaceutical setting.
- Intermittent worker exposure to psyllium occurs approximately 5 times per year, for less than 10 days each time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of occupational asthma.
- To determine IgE sensitization rates to psyllium among exposed workers.
Main Methods:
- A study included 130 of 140 employees, utilizing questionnaires, spirometry, blood tests for specific IgE, and skin prick tests with psyllium and other allergens.
- Subjects with asthma-suggestive symptoms underwent serial peak expiratory flow rate monitoring and methacholine challenge tests before and during psyllium processing.
- Inhalation challenges with psyllium were performed on workers exhibiting significant lung function changes.
Main Results:
- 39 workers (32%) had a history suggestive of occupational asthma or positive allergy tests to psyllium (19% skin test reactivity, 26% elevated IgE).
- Pulmonary function tests revealed significant changes in 21 subjects during psyllium processing.
- Five of 18 workers undergoing psyllium inhalation challenges showed immediate bronchoconstriction.
Conclusions:
- A notable proportion of pharmaceutical workers exposed to psyllium exhibit allergic sensitization and/or occupational asthma.
- Psyllium exposure poses a risk for respiratory health in this occupational setting.
- Further investigation and control measures are warranted to mitigate psyllium-induced respiratory issues in the workplace.