OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA INDUCED BY BUCKWHEAT FLOUR

Buckwheat flour, mainly used for pancakes, may induce asthma following inhalation and anaphylactic reactions following ingestion. These alle rgic reactions are mediated by specific IgE and may be confirmed by sk in test and radio-allergo-sorbant test. The occupational asthma of a p atient working in pancake restaurant was confirmed by specific challen ge test with a computerised device to generate particles. A very small amount of buckwheat flour (10 mu g) induced an immediate fall of the FEV1 to 56% of the initial value. No bronchial reaction was observed w ith lactose nor with wheat flour. Specific bronchial challenge identif ies the allergen responsible for asthma, measures the level of sensiti zation and thus can prevent the occupational exposure.