[Diagnostic approach to occupational allergic respiratory diseases.]

OBJECTIVES: An accurate diagnosis of occupational allergic respiratory diseases is crucial because they are related to disability, loss of work and worsening of psychosocial and economic status of workers. Early diagnosis is therefore essential to prevent the progression of allergic respiratory diseases and to implement preventive measures. The most frequent occupational allergic respiratory diseases are asthma (OA) and rhinitis (OR), less frequently hypersensitivity pneumonia (HP) and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB).

METHODS: The diagnosis is based on the objective evidence of the disease, on a clear correlation with the work activity and the identification of a specific sensitizing agent in the workplace.

RESULTS: Reference standard methods are available, such as Specific Inhalation Challenge in the laboratory or in the workplace.

CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach in highly-specialized centres is always recommended for diagnostic confirmation, as it is accompanied by greater diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.