What did dj allergies say to the nose
Diagnosis of LAA requires a detailed and comprehensive medical history. Therefore, an experienced physician who is knowledgeable regarding allergic and occupational diseases is best qualified to make the diagnosis. Significant elements of an occupational history are listed in Table 1 . The information should include demographic data about the individual worker’s present and past employment history; the nature, duration, and timing of the patterns of symptoms; and any potential risk factors for the development of LAA ( Bernstein ).
Although questionnaires can be extremely sensitive, they are not specific and cannot be used to make a diagnosis of LAA without confirmatory objective testing. In the case of occupational asthma due to other causes, there has been a poor correlation between the history and the diagnosis as confirmed by specific challenge testing ( Malo and Chan-Yeung ). It is significant to note that there is no standardized questionnaire available for diagnosing LAA. However, one example is provided ( Table 2 ), and a simplified version appears elsewhere in this volume ( Seward ).
Basic components of the questionnaire include employment and medical history ( Malo and Chan-Yeung ). Of specific importance is information regarding the task and jobs the employee performs that can be related to specific exposure levels. Previous employment, where the worker may own been exposed to laboratory animal allergens, is also significant. From the medical history, it should also be possible to determine whether there is any relation between symptoms experienced before, during, or after a specific exposure in the workplace ( Bernstein ; Malo and Chan-Yeung ).
Also of importance is the duration of symptoms after leaving the laboratory environment. Improvement of symptoms on weekends or while away from the exposure, particularly, adds credence to the possibility that exposure to laboratory animal allergens is the etiological agent. Improvement in symptoms while away from exposure may be a more sensitive question for establishing a work-related etiology than worsening of symptoms while at work. The information should also include dermatological symptoms; the presence or absence of systemic symptoms such as chills and fever; smoking history; preexisting history of allergy or asthma; and a family history of allergic diseases.
Table 1
Key elements of occupational history in the evaluation of occupational asthma a
Demographic information
Employment history
Symptoms
Potential risk factors
|
Demographic information
Employment history
Symptoms
Potential risk factors
|
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Table 1
Key elements of occupational history in the evaluation of occupational asthma a
Demographic information
Employment history
Symptoms
Potential risk factors
|
Demographic information
Employment history
Symptoms
Potential risk factors
|
Open in new tab
Table 2
Laboratory animal allergy questionnaire a
Date._____ | |
Name:_____ | |
Supervisor:_____ | |
Department:_____ | |
Age:_____ Sex:_____ Male_____ Female | |
OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY | |
Answer these questions about your present job: | |
Job title:_____ | |
Number of years employed at this facility:_____ | |
How numerous months/years at your present position?_____ | |
Brief description of duties_____ |
Date._____ | |
Name:_____ | |
Supervisor:_____ | |
Department:_____ | |
Age:_____ Sex:_____ Male_____ Female | |
OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY | |
Answer these questions about your present job: | |
Job title:_____ | |
Number of years employed at this facility:_____ | |
How numerous months/years at your present position?_____ | |
Brief description of duties_____ |
Do you work with laboratory animals?_____ Yes _____No | |||
If yes, finish the following. | |||
Animal | Yes | No | Approximate Contact Hours/Day |
Rats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Mice | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Rabbits | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Guinea Pigs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Monkeys | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cattle | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you work with laboratory animals?_____ Yes _____No | |||
If yes, finish the following. | |||
Animal | Yes | No | Approximate Contact Hours/Day |
Rats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Mice | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Rabbits | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Guinea Pigs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Monkeys | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cattle | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you feel that you are allergic to any of these animals?
_____ Yes _____ No |
||||
_____ Rats | _____ Mice | _____ Rabbits | _____ Dogs | _____ Other |
_____ Cats | _____ Monkeys | _____ Cattle | _____ Guinea Pigs |
Do you feel that you are allergic to any of these animals?
_____ Yes _____ No |
||||
_____ Rats | _____ Mice | _____ Rabbits | _____ Dogs | _____ Other |
_____ Cats | _____ Monkeys | _____ Cattle | _____ Guinea Pigs |
Did you work with laboratory animals before your employment at this facility? | _____ Yes _____ No | If yes, how long?_____ years What type of animals?_____ |
Did you work with laboratory animals before your employment at this facility? | _____ Yes _____ No | If yes, how long?_____ years What type of animals?_____ |
Do you use or wear any of the following items when working with animals? | ||
Protective Eye Glasses | _____Yes | _____No |
Mask/Respirator | _____Yes | _____No |
Lab Coat | _____Yes | _____No |
Gloves | _____Yes | _____No |
Do you use or wear any of the following items when working with animals? | ||
Protective Eye Glasses | _____Yes | _____No |
Mask/Respirator | _____Yes | _____No |
Lab Coat | _____Yes | _____No |
Gloves | _____Yes | _____No |
HOME ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION | ||||
Do you own any indoor pets?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, which animals and for how long? | |||
Animal | Years | Years | Years | Over 4 Years |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other (Type)_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
HOME ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION | ||||
Do you own any indoor pets?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, which animals and for how long? | |||
Animal | Years | Years | Years | Over 4 Years |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other (Type)_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you regularly own any of the following symptoms?
_____ Yes _____ No Please indicate if the symptom is present and the year of onset. Also check in what location or time “period” the symptom(s) is/are present. |
||||||
Symptom | Yes/No Present | Year of Onset | Symptoms Are Present | On Vacation | No Difference | |
At Work | At Home | |||||
Cough | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sputum Production | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Shortness of Breath | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Wheezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Chest Tightness | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Asthma | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Nose Congestion | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Runny Nose | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sneezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Itchy Eyes | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sinus Problems | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hay Fever | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Frequent Colds | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hives | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Skin Rash | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Swelling of Eyes or Lips | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Eczema | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Difficulty in Swallowing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Were you ever told by a doctor that you had allergies? | _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly own any of the following symptoms? _____ Yes _____ No Please indicate if the symptom is present and the year of onset. Also check in what location or time “period” the symptom(s) is/are present. | ||||||
Symptom | Yes/No Present | Year of Onset | Symptoms Are Present | On Vacation | No Difference | |
At Work | At Home | |||||
Cough | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sputum Production | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Shortness of Breath | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Wheezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Chest Tightness | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Asthma | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Nose Congestion | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Runny Nose | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sneezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Itchy Eyes | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sinus Problems | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hay Fever | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Frequent Colds | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hives | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Skin Rash | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Swelling of Eyes or Lips | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Eczema | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Difficulty in Swallowing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Were you ever told by a doctor that you had allergies? | _____ Yes _____ No |
Have you ever been skin tested for allergies? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, what substances were you found to be allergic to or sensitized to? | |||
_____ Ragweed | _____ Grass | _____ Trees | _____ Mold |
_____ Dust | _____ Cat | _____ Dog | _____ Mice |
_____ Other | _____ |
Have you ever been skin tested for allergies? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, what substances were you found to be allergic to or sensitized to? | |||
_____ Ragweed | _____ Grass | _____ Trees | _____ Mold |
_____ Dust | _____ Cat | _____ Dog | _____ Mice |
_____ Other | _____ |
Have you ever received allergy (desensitization/immunotherapy) shots? _____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever said you own asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did your asthma start? _____ (year) |
Are you currently taking medication (either over the counter or by prescription) to control your asthma?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever told you that you own a medical condition caused by your working conditions? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do any of your blood relatives (grandparents, parents, brothers/sisters) own allergies or asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
Are you under a doctors care for any other illnesses? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, please list illnesses: _____ |
Do you take blood pressure medication(s)? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly use “over the counter” (nonprescription) nose drops or nose sprays (e.g., Afrin, Neosynephrine)?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Do you smoke cigarettes? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, how numerous cigarettes per day?_____ |
How numerous years?_____ |
If not presently smoking, did you ever smoke? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did you stop smoking cigarettes? _____ (year) |
How numerous years did you smoke? _____ years |
Comments _____ |
Reviewed By:_____ Date:_____. |
Have you ever received allergy (desensitization/immunotherapy) shots? _____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever said you own asthma?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did your asthma start? _____ (year) |
Are you currently taking medication (either over the counter or by prescription) to control your asthma?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever told you that you own a medical condition caused by your working conditions? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do any of your blood relatives (grandparents, parents, brothers/sisters) own allergies or asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
Are you under a doctors care for any other illnesses? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, please list illnesses: _____ |
Do you take blood pressure medication(s)?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly use “over the counter” (nonprescription) nose drops or nose sprays (e.g., Afrin, Neosynephrine)? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you smoke cigarettes?
_____ Yes _____ No If yes, how numerous cigarettes per day?_____ |
How numerous years?_____ |
If not presently smoking, did you ever smoke? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did you stop smoking cigarettes? _____ (year) |
How numerous years did you smoke? _____ years |
Comments _____ |
Reviewed By:_____ Date:_____. |
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Table 2
Laboratory animal allergy questionnaire a
Date._____ | |
Name:_____ | |
Supervisor:_____ | |
Department:_____ | |
Age:_____ Sex:_____ Male_____ Female | |
OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY | |
Answer these questions about your present job: | |
Job title:_____ | |
Number of years employed at this facility:_____ | |
How numerous months/years at your present position?_____ | |
Brief description of duties_____ |
Date._____ | |
Name:_____ | |
Supervisor:_____ | |
Department:_____ | |
Age:_____ Sex:_____ Male_____ Female | |
OCCUPATIONAL HISTORY | |
Answer these questions about your present job: | |
Job title:_____ | |
Number of years employed at this facility:_____ | |
How numerous months/years at your present position?_____ | |
Brief description of duties_____ |
Do you work with laboratory animals?_____ Yes _____No | |||
If yes, finish the following. | |||
Animal | Yes | No | Approximate Contact Hours/Day |
Rats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Mice | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Rabbits | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Guinea Pigs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Monkeys | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cattle | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you work with laboratory animals?_____ Yes _____No | |||
If yes, finish the following. | |||
Animal | Yes | No | Approximate Contact Hours/Day |
Rats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Mice | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Rabbits | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Guinea Pigs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Monkeys | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cattle | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you feel that you are allergic to any of these animals?
_____ Yes _____ No |
||||
_____ Rats | _____ Mice | _____ Rabbits | _____ Dogs | _____ Other |
_____ Cats | _____ Monkeys | _____ Cattle | _____ Guinea Pigs |
Do you feel that you are allergic to any of these animals?
_____ Yes _____ No |
||||
_____ Rats | _____ Mice | _____ Rabbits | _____ Dogs | _____ Other |
_____ Cats | _____ Monkeys | _____ Cattle | _____ Guinea Pigs |
Did you work with laboratory animals before your employment at this facility? | _____ Yes _____ No | If yes, how long?_____ years What type of animals?_____ |
Did you work with laboratory animals before your employment at this facility? | _____ Yes _____ No | If yes, how long?_____ years What type of animals?_____ |
Do you use or wear any of the following items when working with animals? | ||
Protective Eye Glasses | _____Yes | _____No |
Mask/Respirator | _____Yes | _____No |
Lab Coat | _____Yes | _____No |
Gloves | _____Yes | _____No |
Do you use or wear any of the following items when working with animals? | ||
Protective Eye Glasses | _____Yes | _____No |
Mask/Respirator | _____Yes | _____No |
Lab Coat | _____Yes | _____No |
Gloves | _____Yes | _____No |
HOME ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION | ||||
Do you own any indoor pets?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, which animals and for how long? | |||
Animal | Years | Years | Years | Over 4 Years |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other (Type)_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
HOME ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION | ||||
Do you own any indoor pets?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, which animals and for how long? | |||
Animal | Years | Years | Years | Over 4 Years |
Dogs | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Cats | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Other (Type)_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
_____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Do you regularly own any of the following symptoms?
_____ Yes _____ No Please indicate if the symptom is present and the year of onset. Also check in what location or time “period” the symptom(s) is/are present. |
||||||
Symptom | Yes/No Present | Year of Onset | Symptoms Are Present | On Vacation | No Difference | |
At Work | At Home | |||||
Cough | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sputum Production | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Shortness of Breath | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Wheezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Chest Tightness | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Asthma | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Nose Congestion | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Runny Nose | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sneezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Itchy Eyes | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sinus Problems | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hay Fever | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Frequent Colds | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hives | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Skin Rash | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Swelling of Eyes or Lips | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Eczema | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Difficulty in Swallowing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Were you ever told by a doctor that you had allergies? | _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly own any of the following symptoms? _____ Yes _____ No Please indicate if the symptom is present and the year of onset. Also check in what location or time “period” the symptom(s) is/are present. | ||||||
Symptom | Yes/No Present | Year of Onset | Symptoms Are Present | On Vacation | No Difference | |
At Work | At Home | |||||
Cough | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sputum Production | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Shortness of Breath | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Wheezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Chest Tightness | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Asthma | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Nose Congestion | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Runny Nose | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sneezing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Itchy Eyes | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Sinus Problems | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hay Fever | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Frequent Colds | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Hives | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Skin Rash | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Swelling of Eyes or Lips | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Eczema | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Difficulty in Swallowing | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ | _____ |
Were you ever told by a doctor that you had allergies? | _____ Yes _____ No |
Have you ever been skin tested for allergies? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, what substances were you found to be allergic to or sensitized to? | |||
_____ Ragweed | _____ Grass | _____ Trees | _____ Mold |
_____ Dust | _____ Cat | _____ Dog | _____ Mice |
_____ Other | _____ |
Have you ever been skin tested for allergies?
_____ Yes _____ No If yes, what substances were you found to be allergic to or sensitized to? |
|||
_____ Ragweed | _____ Grass | _____ Trees | _____ Mold |
_____ Dust | _____ Cat | _____ Dog | _____ Mice |
_____ Other | _____ |
Have you ever received allergy (desensitization/immunotherapy) shots? _____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever said you own asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did your asthma start? _____ (year) |
Are you currently taking medication (either over the counter or by prescription) to control your asthma?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever told you that you own a medical condition caused by your working conditions? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do any of your blood relatives (grandparents, parents, brothers/sisters) own allergies or asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
Are you under a doctors care for any other illnesses? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, please list illnesses: _____ |
Do you take blood pressure medication(s)?
_____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly use “over the counter” (nonprescription) nose drops or nose sprays (e.g., Afrin, Neosynephrine)? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you smoke cigarettes? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, how numerous cigarettes per day?_____ |
How numerous years?_____ |
If not presently smoking, did you ever smoke? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did you stop smoking cigarettes?
_____ (year) |
How numerous years did you smoke? _____ years |
Comments _____ |
Reviewed By:_____ Date:_____. |
Have you ever received allergy (desensitization/immunotherapy) shots? _____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever said you own asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did your asthma start?
_____ (year) |
Are you currently taking medication (either over the counter or by prescription) to control your asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
Has a doctor ever told you that you own a medical condition caused by your working conditions? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do any of your blood relatives (grandparents, parents, brothers/sisters) own allergies or asthma? _____ Yes _____ No |
Are you under a doctors care for any other illnesses?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, please list illnesses: _____ |
Do you take blood pressure medication(s)? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you regularly use “over the counter” (nonprescription) nose drops or nose sprays (e.g., Afrin, Neosynephrine)? _____ Yes _____ No |
Do you smoke cigarettes? _____ Yes _____ No If yes, how numerous cigarettes per day?_____ |
How numerous years?_____ |
If not presently smoking, did you ever smoke?
_____ Yes _____ No |
If yes, when did you stop smoking cigarettes? _____ (year) |
How numerous years did you smoke? _____ years |
Comments _____ |
Reviewed By:_____ Date:_____. |
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Introduction
Symptoms of laboratory animal allergy (LAA 1 ) can involve the skin, eyes, nose, and lower respiratory tract. The most common symptoms are nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, skin rashes, and itchy, watery eyes. Asthmatic symptoms own been reported in 20 to 30% of sensitized individuals ( Bush et al.
). The diagnosis of LAA requires a comprehensive occupational history, which can be facilitated by specifically designed questionnaires ( Bernstein ; Seward ; Table 1 ). Significant information to obtain from the worker includes onset and severity of symptoms and correlation of the symptoms to exposures in the laboratory facility ( Bernstein ). Confirmation of the diagnosis requires appropriate testing to detect the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE 1 ) antibodies to laboratory animal allergens (specific sensitization). To confirm the suspicion that occupational asthma is due to sensitivity to laboratory animals, additional tests of lung function are required ( Figure 1 ).
Figure 1
An algorithmic approach for the assessment and diagnosis of occupational asthma. Provocative concentration causes a 20% decrease (negative PC 20 ) in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. PC, provocative concentration; PEFR, peak expiratory flow rate; RAST, radioallergosorbent test. *If diagnosis remains in doubt, to establish etiology of newly identified laboratory animal allergen, or for medicolegal purposes.
Figure 1
An algorithmic approach for the assessment and diagnosis of occupational asthma. Provocative concentration causes a 20% decrease (negative PC 20 ) in forced expiratory volume in 1 sec.
PC, provocative concentration; PEFR, peak expiratory flow rate; RAST, radioallergosorbent test. *If diagnosis remains in doubt, to establish etiology of newly identified laboratory animal allergen, or for medicolegal purposes.
Skin testing to common seasonal and perennial allergens exterior the workplace should also be performed to investigate the possibility of non-laboratory animal-induced disease ( Bernstein et al. ). The presence of specific sensitization can be detected by skin testing or specific in vitro testing.
Assessment of the degree of impairment of lung function is measured by performing spirometry, which can be conducted before and after the istration of a bronchodilator. Evidence for nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (a marker for asthma) is sure by methacholine or histamine bronchoprovocation testing ( Bernstein ; Bernstein etal. ). To establish whether specific exposures to laboratory animals are the cause of symptoms, assessment of lung function can be confirmed by performing spirometry or monitoring serial peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR 1 ) while the individual is at work and away from the workplace.
It is rarely necessary to act out a bronchoprovocation challenge with laboratory animal allergens.
Allergy-Friendly Dog Breeds
If you own a dog allergy and are looking to adopt, you may desire to consider a dog with less fur or a dog that produces less saliva. Some allergy-friendly dog breeds include:
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Poodles and Miniature Poodles
- Shih Tzu
- Maltese
- Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Schnauzers
- Kerry Blue Terrier
It may be significant to note that not every experts consent on whether there are truly any hypoallergenic breeds.
For example, a study published in couldn't discover enough evidence to classify any of these dogs as hypoallergenic.
Ways to Reduce Allergens in Dogs
If you own dog allergies and own a dog or plan on visiting a dog that you may be allergic to, there are ways to reduce your risk of having an allergic reaction. Allergy shots and medications can assist control symptoms, but there are proactive measures you can take as well. To lower the quantity of dander a pet carries, bathe the dog once or twice a week and wipe the dog below with a wet wipe daily.
If your allergies persist, attempt doing a deep clean of your home to clear out any allergens that your dog may own shed. You can also purchase HEPA filters to assist trap allergens.
Dog Allergies Versus Cat Allergies
While allergens can differ based on dog breeds, those differences do not exist between diverse breeds of cats. The major cat allergen, Fel d 1, is the same regardless of cat breed and is even the same for other members of the feline family such as lions and tigers.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to study more about how we fact-check and hold our content precise, dependable, and trustworthy.
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Vredegoor DW, Willemse T, Chapman MD, Heederik DJ, Krop EJ. Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of diverse dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. J Allergy Clin Immunol. ;(4)e7. doi/
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Chan SK, Leung DYM. Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. ;10(2)– doi/aair
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American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Pet Allergy. Updated April 23,
Abstract
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is a form of occupational sensitivity affecting up to one third or more of exposed workers.
Symptoms involve the eyes, nose, skin, and lower respiratory tract. Asthma may develop in 20 to 30% of sensitized individuals. An occupational medical history is the primary tool if a diagnosis of LAA is suspected. The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to laboratory animal allergens by skin testing or in vitro assays. If laboratory animal allergen-induced asthma is suspected, measurements of lung function are necessary for confirmation and assessing the degree of impairment.
One approach to the problem is presented in this article. For individuals with LAA, avoidance of exposure is the primary treatment. For individuals who continue to work in the environment, pharmacological treatment of their symptoms may be necessary. Methods to prevent the development of LAA are also discussed.
IgE antibodies, immunotherapy, medical history, occupational asthma, preplacement screening, questionnaires, sensitization, skin testing
Abstract
Laboratory animal allergy (LAA) is a form of occupational sensitivity affecting up to one third or more of exposed workers. Symptoms involve the eyes, nose, skin, and lower respiratory tract.
Asthma may develop in 20 to 30% of sensitized individuals. An occupational medical history is the primary tool if a diagnosis of LAA is suspected. The diagnosis is confirmed by demonstrating the presence of immunoglobulin E antibodies to laboratory animal allergens by skin testing or in vitro assays. If laboratory animal allergen-induced asthma is suspected, measurements of lung function are necessary for confirmation and assessing the degree of impairment.
One approach to the problem is presented in this article. For individuals with LAA, avoidance of exposure is the primary treatment. For individuals who continue to work in the environment, pharmacological treatment of their symptoms may be necessary. Methods to prevent the development of LAA are also discussed.
IgE antibodies, immunotherapy, medical history, occupational asthma, preplacement screening, questionnaires, sensitization, skin testing
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