P. Gorski et al., Analysis of the clinical state of patients with occupational asthma following cessation of exposure to allergens, OCCUP MED-O, 49(5), 1999, pp. 285-289
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the health state of patients with
occupational asthma after cessation of occupational exposure to bakery all
ergens. A follow-up study of 56 subjects with occupational asthma was carri
ed out, Subjects were examined twice: 1-6 months after removal from occupat
ional exposure and 36 or 48 months later. Clinical state analysis both at d
iagnosis and re-examination was performed with the use of a questionnaire.
Functional spirometric tests and skin prick tests and/or specific serum IgE
were carried out during both examinations at points of time at which the s
ubjects regarded their asthma symptoms as least severe. According to the su
bjective evaluation of the patients' clinical state, some improvement could
be noticed 36 or 48 months after removal from work. Forced expiratory volu
me in one second (FEV1) and peak respiratory flow (PEF) did not change sign
ificantly. Total serum IgE concentration decreased in only two subjects, bu
t the mean value of total IgE level did not significantly differ at the fir
st and second examination after the cessation of occupational exposure. The
re was no significant difference in the number of positive skin prick tests
to common and occupational allergens between the first and second examinat
ion. The majority of patients with occupational asthma reporting subjective
ly on their symptoms indicated an improvement in their clinical state 2-3 y
ears after removal from occupational exposure. The intensity of skin prick
tests was not reduced in the studied group. Non-specific bronchial hyper-re
sponsiveness was not reduced in the majority of subjects with occupational
asthma at least 2 years after cessation of occupational exposure.