An official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report: presentations and discussion of the fifth Jack Pepys Workshop on Asthma in the Workplace. Comparisons between XXXX in the workplace and non-work-related @entity565 .

@entity565 @entity7446 @entity2488
The fifth Jack Pepys Workshop on Asthma in the Workplace focused on the similarities and differences of work-related @entity565 (WRA) and non-work-related @entity565 (non-WRA). WRA includes @entity7446 ( @entity7446 ) and work-exacerbated @entity565 (WEA). There are few biological differences in the mechanisms of sensitization to environmental and occupational allergens. Non-WRA and @entity7446 , when due to high-molecular-weight agents, are both IgE mediated; it is uncertain whether @entity7446 due to low-molecular-weight agents is also IgE mediated. Risk factors for @entity7446 include female sex, a history of upper airway symptoms, and a history of @entity2488 . Atopy is a risk factor for @entity7446 due to high-molecular-weight agents, and exposure to cleaning agents is a risk factor for both @entity7446 and non-WRA. WEA is important among workers with preexisting @entity565 and may overlap with irritant-induced @entity565 , a type of @entity7446 . Induced sputum cytology can confirm airway inflammation, but specific inhalation challenge is the reference standard diagnostic test. Inhalation challenges are relatively safe, with the most severe reactions occurring with low-molecular-weight agents. Indirect health care costs account for about 50% of total @entity565 costs. Workers with poor @entity565 control (WRA or non-WRA) are less likely to be employed. Income loss is a major contributor to the indirect costs of WRA. Overall, @entity565 outcomes probably are worse for adult-onset than for childhood-onset @entity565 but better for @entity7446 than adult-onset non-WRA. Important aspects of management of @entity7446 are rapid and proper confirmation of the diagnosis and reduction of exposure to sensitizers or irritants at work and home.
