Allergy caused by inhalation of allergens bound to the workplace.
Inhalation allergies, occupationalT78.4
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
PathogenThis section has been translated automatically.
Mostly caused by proteins of mice and rats, more rarely flies, cockroaches, grasshoppers (depending on the professional activity). Sensitization is by inhalation.
Occurrence/EpidemiologyThis section has been translated automatically.
Incidence in Great Britain: 21/1000 workers/year.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
Rhinoconjunctivitis and bronchial asthma; in case of percutaneous sensitization also protein contacticaria.
LaboratoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Detection of specific IgE antibodies, total IgE
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Remember! Testing of patient's own occupational substances (should also be tested on a healthy, occupationally non-exposed volunteer as negative control after consent!)
- If not commercially available, the accused occupational substance can be crushed in glycerol and then used for prick testing. Again, perform negative control with glycerol simultaneously. Cave! Exclusion of contraindications, e.g. glycerol sensitization, before!
- In addition to prick testing, lung function testing and, if necessary, provocation testing.
Differential diagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Allergen protection (e.g. through internal implementation), breathing masks.
AftercareThis section has been translated automatically.
The occurrence of acute rhinoconjunctivitis with exclusive occupational exposure, positive skin tests with the accused protein, detection of specific IgE antibodies and absence of symptoms in the case of allergenicity substantiates the suspicion of the presence of an isolated, occupational inhalation allergy!
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
In the case of positive proof of an occupational inhalation allergy, the presence of an occupational disease must be reported (BK 4301 of the Annex to the BKV).
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Tas E et al (2007) Occupational inhalation allergy to the common housefly (Musca domestica). Dermatologist 58: 156-160