[Peak expiratory flow monitoring--the basis for diagnosing occupational asthma--guidelines by the Finnish Expert Group on Occupational Lung Diseases]

Duodecim. 2011;127(20):2194-204.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

Occupational exposures can cause adult-onset asthma. Early diagnosis and early avoidance of further exposure to causative agent improves the prognosis of occupational asthma. Occupational and primary care health services have an important role in the identification of new cases of occupational asthma. For the diagnosis of occupational asthma, serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements should be performed in an early stage. Although it requires an effort from the patient, high quality recordings offer the best approach to assess the relationship between workplace exposure and respiratory symptoms. Good guidance and performance of serial PEF measurements in primary care is recommended and is worth the effort.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity
  • Asthma / diagnosis*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Finland
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure / adverse effects
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / physiopathology
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate*
  • Primary Health Care
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational