Search

We report on three patients who experienced persistent asthma symptoms after repetitive irritant exposure which took place over a period from several days to months. Airway inflammation was assessed by induction of sputum and functional follow-up information was obtained from serial lung function tests. All patients had bronchial hyperresponsiveness to methacholine at the time of diagnosis. However, induced sputum samples did not show increased differential count of eosinophils. Treatment with inhaled corticosteroids was started in all of the patients and two of them were removed from work. In the two patients who left the workplace, methacholine inhalation test became negative when symptoms disappeared, whereas the patient who continued working had persistent asthma symptoms and a deterioration of bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Presents a case of a 29-year-old woman with immunoglobulin E-mediated asthma caused by carnation with positive specific bronchial provocation test. Case history; Metacholine challenge test; Respiratory allergy to carnation.

Describes a case of occupational rhinitis and asthma in an anis liqueur factory worker who handled several different plants. Plants used in manufacturing anissete; Lack of respiratory symptoms in the patient during the pollination season; Development of Immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitization in the patient; Role of licorice as the main source of the respiratory symptoms of the patient.