Approaches to the diagnosis and management of occupational asthma amongst UK respiratory physicians

Respir Med. 2007 Sep;101(9):1903-8. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2007.04.014. Epub 2007 Jun 19.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the approach to the diagnosis and management of occupational asthma amongst general (non-specialist) respiratory consultants in the UK. A random sample of 100 UK general respiratory physicians were invited to participate, and asked to provide information on their diagnostic approach to a case scenario of a patient with possible occupational asthma relating to flour exposure. Participation rates were 42% for the main part of the study. Less than half of consultants specifically reported they would ask whether symptoms improved away from work, and just over a third mentioned examining the patient. All of those interviewed recommended a chest X-ray, and 98% simple spirometry. Eighty-six per cent suggested measurement of serial peak flows, recorded for between 2 and 8 weeks, with measurements taken half-twelve hourly. Less than half advocated a specific flour allergy test, and almost one-quarter (23%) would not perform any immunological test at all. Once a diagnosis of occupational asthma was confirmed, less than two-thirds of those interviewed commented they would recommend some form of exposure reduction, and only 28% specifically stated they would offer compensation advice. The diagnosis of occupational asthma by general respiratory physicians within the UK lacks standardisation, and in some cases falls short of evidence-based best practise.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / etiology
  • Asthma / therapy
  • Flour / adverse effects
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Occupational Diseases / therapy
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control
  • Professional Practice / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Function Tests / methods
  • Respiratory Function Tests / statistics & numerical data
  • United Kingdom