[Occupational asthma]

Occupational asthma is specifically induced by repeated exposure to substances in the work place. Diagnosis requires using the results of numerous tests, and a challenge test is the most appropriate to establish the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to chemical agents. Agents responsible for occupational asthma may be of animal or vegetable origin, or may be chemical agents. The pathophysiological mechanisms of occupational asthma are not well known. It is probable that immunologic mechanisms play an important role, in particular in occupational asthma due to glycoproteins. An important feature of occupational asthma is the relationship to chemical substances, for which the mechanisms are often still hypothetical. From the legal viewpoint, a recent law holds the promise of better compensation for those who are afflicted.