When to suspect occupational asthma.

When to Suspect Occupational Asthma
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Abstract
Occupational asthma could be costly and chronic upon failure for early detection and diagnosis. This research article aims at exploring various aspects of its diagnosis in the work environment. It highlights different elements and agents in the workplace that expose workers to the risk of developing Occupational Asthma. Further, it highlights factors attributable to individuals and is causal to Occupational Asthma. The researcher provides clinical symptoms inherent in a person that suggests the occurrence of occupational asthma both in early and late stages. It also presents various diagnostic tests and techniques applicable to the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced OA condition. The research article also enumerates various weaknesses noted in the methodology with suggestions of conducting the research in a different approach. The criticism enables the researchers to highlight areas for new improvement. It is a crucial aspect of employee’s life about many adverse consequences attached to the patient both social and economic.  

Introduction
Asthma is one of the respiratory conditions that are common among Canadians which causes are related to allergic reactions of the body. Occupational asthma is directly attributable to workplace terms and exposures that affect workers in such areas. OA is further classified into ‘sensitizer-induced OA’ that results from sensitization to a particular element and ‘irritant-induced OA’ that results from exposure to an inhaled irritant.

Also, factors in the workplace such as aeroallergens and irritants whose victims already have asthmatic conditions trigger work-exacerbated asthma.
This review purports to study on sensitizer-induced OA through insights into the place of work conditions, exploring its clinical symptoms and a detailed summary useful in the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced OA.
‘Workplaces and occupational agents associated with the development of OA.’
Occupational agents that facilitate the growth of OA are classified into high-molecular-weight and low-molecular-weight agents. HMW substances are related to plant and animal proteins while LMW substances comprise of chemicals and metals. These causal agents vary depending on the intensity and extent of exposure in different organizations and geographical areas. Mostly, OA occurs in firms such as spray painters, hairdressers, cleaners, farmers and healthcare workers. Most companies whose workers are susceptible to these conditions have established a material safety data sheets useful in verifications of agents recognized in the workplace. These sheets help in the review of the professional health record and industrial hygiene (Lemière, 2016).
Host-related factors predisposing to the development of sensitizer-induced OA
Various host makers contribute to adult-onset asthma. This host related factors include Atopy, smoking, airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), rhinitis and genetic factors. Atopy induces the HMW agents among individuals with OA. Smoking as well has a precise role in OA to different substances. Some of the agents triggered through smoking include laboratory animals and tetrachloro phthalic anhydride. Research indicates that genetic markers are associated with little predictive value when determining the susceptibility of workers (Lemière, 2016).
Clinical presentation suggestive of sensitizer-induced asthma
Symptoms associated with sensitizer-induced OA occurs either at the start of the work shift or its termination. They are mostly reported during the working days or hours with none or few symptoms on weekends and holidays. The condition should be susceptible in all victims either with childhood asthma or new-onset asthma. Sensitizer induced OA symptoms mostly are associated with respiratory systems and one would experience chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and production of sputum. Work exposure controls these symptoms. Doctors recommend a comprehensive investigation to diagnose OA.
Diagnostic tests performed in individuals with suspected sensitizer-induced OA
• Immunological assessment
Immunological assessment tests are rarely used due to lack of standardized and commercially available reagents useful in diagnosing OA. The information in this test is useful for skin and Vitro tests as research tools.
• Respiratory function tests
This method applies the use of reversible airflow limitation for patients with a clinical history that is related to OA. Work-related asthma is further assessed through continuous measurements of PEF varying the tests on work exposures.
• SIC tests
SIC test is the most improved test for diagnosing OA. The tests are carried in the laboratories where individuals are exposed to the suspected occupational agents. However, these tests are useful for the use of the right causal agent and adequate comparability of conditions to those in the work environment (Lemière, 2016).
Weaknesses
The aim of this research was to offer useful information to aid in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. However, the methodology used by the researcher encompasses large items whose conclusion is less detailed. The research is majorly generalized with the assumption that all the instances of occupational asthma are same. Therefore, the researcher ought to present information on a particular type either HMW or LMW.
Recommendations
The management in any organization should be in a position to suspect the development of OA in any worker regardless of being new-onset asthma or a pre-existing condition that is uncontrollable. One needs to conduct a comprehensive investigation to find out how a particular substance relates to asthma. It will be beneficial to the affected party since asthma has adverse consequences on both financial and social matters.
References
Lemière, C. (2016). When to suspect occupational asthma. PubMed Central (PMC). Retrieved 6 November 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3917819/