Patients may either present with concerns that chemicals at work are worsening their asthma or you may notice in the history that symptoms seem better at weekends / when away from work.
Exposure to the following chemicals is associated with occupational asthma:
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GF has PEPSI and gets Asthma
G - Glutaraldehyde
F - Flour
P - Platinum Salts
E - Epoxy resins
P - Proteolytic Enzymes
S - Soldering Flux Resin
I - Isocyanates (the most common cause) - example occupations include spray painting and foam moulding using adhesives
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Serial measurements of peak expiratory flow are recommended at work and away from work.
Referral should be made to a respiratory specialist for patients with suspected occupational asthma.
Compare with
COPD causes: (mostly C’s)