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 Personal data including sex, race, and age Name and address Educational background with number of school years completed Employment history All other work processes and substances used in the employee’s work environment (a schematic diagram of the workplace is helpful to identify indirect exposure to substances emanating from adjacent work stations) Prior jobs at current workplace with description of occupation, duration, and identification of material used Current department and occupation description including dates begun, interrupted, and ended Employment preceding current workplace (including occupation descriptions and exposure history) Symptoms Months or years of employment duration at current occupation before onset of symptoms Temporal pattern of symptoms in relation to work Immediate onset beginning at work with resolution soon after coming home Months or years of duration Nasal rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, ocular itching Categories Chest tightness, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath Immediate onset followed by recovery with symptoms recurring 4–12 hr after initial exposure to suspect agent at work Delayed onset beginning hr after starting work or after coming home Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, and myalgias Improvement away from work Potential risk factors Atopic status Consistent history of seasonal nasal or ocular symptoms Family history of atopic disease Asthmatic symptoms preceding current work exposure Smoking history (including current smoking status and number of pack years) Confirmation by epicutaneous testing to a panel of common aeroallergens History of accidental exposures to substances such as heated fumes or chemical spills

Demographic information Personal data including sex, race, and age Name and address Educational background with number of school years completed Employment history All other work processes and substances used in the employee’s work environment (a schematic diagram of the workplace is helpful to identify indirect exposure to substances emanating from adjacent work stations) Prior jobs at current workplace with description of occupation, duration, and identification of material used Current department and occupation description including dates begun, interrupted, and ended Employment preceding current workplace (including occupation descriptions and exposure history) Symptoms Months or years of employment duration at current occupation before onset of symptoms Temporal pattern of symptoms in relation to work Immediate onset beginning at work with resolution soon after coming home Months or years of duration Nasal rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, ocular itching Categories Chest tightness, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath Immediate onset followed by recovery with symptoms recurring 4–12 hr after initial exposure to suspect agent at work Delayed onset beginning hr after starting work or after coming home Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, and myalgias Improvement away from work Potential risk factors Atopic status Consistent history of seasonal nasal or ocular symptoms Family history of atopic disease Asthmatic symptoms preceding current work exposure Smoking history (including current smoking status and number of pack years) Confirmation by epicutaneous testing to a panel of common aeroallergens History of accidental exposures to substances such as heated fumes or chemical spills

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Table 1

Key elements of occupational history in the evaluation of occupational asthma ^a

Demographic information Personal data including sex, race, and age Name and address Educational background with number of school years completed Employment history All other work processes and substances used in the employee’s work environment (a schematic diagram of the workplace is helpful to identify indirect exposure to substances emanating from adjacent work stations) Prior jobs at current workplace with description of occupation, duration, and identification of material used Current department and occupation description including dates begun, interrupted, and ended Employment preceding current workplace (including occupation descriptions and exposure history) Symptoms Months or years of employment duration at current occupation before onset of symptoms Temporal pattern of symptoms in relation to work Immediate onset beginning at work with resolution soon after coming home Months or years of duration Nasal rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, ocular itching Categories Chest tightness, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath Immediate onset followed by recovery with symptoms recurring 4–12 hr after initial exposure to suspect agent at work Delayed onset beginning hr after starting work or after coming home Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, and myalgias Improvement away from work Potential risk factors Atopic status Consistent history of seasonal nasal or ocular symptoms Family history of atopic disease Asthmatic symptoms preceding current work exposure Smoking history (including current smoking status and number of pack years) Confirmation by epicutaneous testing to a panel of common aeroallergens History of accidental exposures to substances such as heated fumes or chemical spills

Demographic information Personal data including sex, race, and age Name and address Educational background with number of school years completed Employment history All other work processes and substances used in the employee’s work environment (a schematic diagram of the workplace is helpful to identify indirect exposure to substances emanating from adjacent work stations) Prior jobs at current workplace with description of occupation, duration, and identification of material used Current department and occupation description including dates begun, interrupted, and ended Employment preceding current workplace (including occupation descriptions and exposure history) Symptoms Months or years of employment duration at current occupation before onset of symptoms Temporal pattern of symptoms in relation to work Immediate onset beginning at work with resolution soon after coming home Months or years of duration Nasal rhinorrhea, sneezing, lacrimation, ocular itching Categories Chest tightness, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath Immediate onset followed by recovery with symptoms recurring 4–12 hr after initial exposure to suspect agent at work Delayed onset beginning hr after starting work or after coming home Systemic symptoms such as fever, arthralgias, and myalgias Improvement away from work Potential risk factors Atopic status Consistent history of seasonal nasal or ocular symptoms Family history of atopic disease Asthmatic symptoms preceding current work exposure Smoking history (including current smoking status and number of pack years) Confirmation by epicutaneous testing to a panel of common aeroallergens History of accidental exposures to substances such as heated fumes or chemical spills

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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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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: 

1. Yorkshire Terrier
2. Lhasa Apso 
3. Portuguese Water Dog 
4. Irish Water Spaniel 
5. Poodles and Miniature Poodles 
6. Shih Tzu 
7. Maltese 
8. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier 
9. Schnauzers 
10. 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.

• 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/

• Chan SK, Leung DYM. Dog and Cat Allergies: Current State of Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. ;10(2)– doi/aair

• 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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