Occupational asthma other diagnostic studies
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Overview
Other Diagnostic Studies
Non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity
- A non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity test involves testing with methacoline, after which the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) of the patient is measured.
- This test is often used for measuring the intensity of a person's asthma and to confirm that the person needs to be treated for asthma. Other non specific tests could even require the patient to run in open air or on a treadmill for a few minutes at a continuous pace. In this case, the individual’s Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) is measured. (The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can exhale) [1].
Peak Expiratory Flow at work
- This test uses the peak expiratory flow at rest (PEFR) method. The primary difference from the at-rest test is that at work testing measures the functioning of the patient's airways at his place of work and not necessarily in a controlled environment. The patient breathes into a Peak Expiratory Flow monitor (a hand-held device that has a mouth piece at one end and a scale with an indicator on the other).[2]
Specific inhalation challenge
- Realistic method “The Realistic Method” is a whole body sealed chamber where the patient is exposed to articles that are present in their workplace. This method has the advantage of being able to assess, albeit highly subjectively, ocular and nasal symptoms as well as a reduction in FEV1.
- Closed-circuit method This test requires the patient to breathe aerosols of the suspected ‘asthmagens’ through an oro-facial mask. These ‘asthmagens’ are aerosolized using closed circuit chambers, and the quantities and concentrations administered being minute and extremely stable minimize the risk of exaggerated responses.
References
- ↑ Risk and incidence of asthma attributable to occupational exposure among HMO members. Milton DK, Solomon GM, Rosiello RA, Herrick RF. Am J Ind Med 1998;33:1–10.
- ↑ http://www.nationalasthma.org.au/html/management/spiro_book/sp_bk002.asp