Analysis of the clinical state of patients with occupational asthma following cessation of exposure to allergens

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.