Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Occupational Asthma

Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common work-related lung disease, while occupational asthma (OA) is the most frequent occupational lung disease in developed countries in the last three decades. Due to specific occupational exposure, WRA is classified into OA and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). Furthermore, OA, according the pathogenic mechanisms involved in its development, is classified into allergic and nonallergic OA. Allergic OA can be caused by IgE-mediated and IgE-independent immunological mechanisms. This chapter reviews epidemiological and etiopathogenetic characteristics, current diagnostic approach, treatment, and preventive measures, as well as dilemmas associated with different types of OA.