Occupational Respiratory Allergies

Abstract Occupational asthma (OA) is a unique phenotype of asthma. Depending on the type of sensitizers to which the subjects are exposed, different pathophysiological mechanisms lead to the development of OA. This chapter reviews our current understanding of the mechanisms of occupational sensitization according to the different types of sensitizers. Several host and environmental factors predisposing to the development of sensitizer-induced OA have been identified. Atopy, rhinitis, and genetic markers are the main host risk factors predisposing to development of OA, whereas the degree of exposure to the causal agent is the main environmental risk factor predisposing to development of OA. An accurate diagnosis of OA is crucial because of the socioeconomic implication of this diagnosis for the workers. Not only does the diagnosis of asthma need to be confirmed, but the causality between the exposure to a specific agent at the workplace and the occurrence of asthma needs to be established.