Table 3 Clinical examination in step 3, according to the diagnosis means
From: Assessment of work-related asthma prevalence, control and severity: protocol of a field study
in all centers | where possible | |
|---|---|---|
STAGE 1 | • detailed medical interview (occupational exposures, medical history and symptoms) • extended OASYS protocol (4–6 weeks) • skin-prick-tests to common airborne allergens and to potentially allergenic occupational agents • flow-volume curves with beta2 agonist reversibility test • methacholine challenge test • total serum IgE measurements and, • if possible, allergen specific IgE | • exhaled Nitric Oxyde measurements • induced sputum to make a cytological analysis (polynuclear cells, neutrophils and eosinophils) |
STAGE 2 (if suspected WRA) | • one or several specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with the potential occupational allergen • one bronchial exposure test at the work station • comparative methacholine challenge tests, in working period and resting period. | • comparative exhaled Nitric Oxyde measurements before and after exposure • induced sputum cytologic analysis before and after exposure |