environmental and occupational allergies.pdfVIP

Environmental and occupational allergies David Peden, MD,a and Charles E. Reed, MDb Chapel Hill, NC, and Rochester, Minn Airborne allergens are the major cause of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Daily exposure comes from indoor sources, chiefly at Abbreviations used home but occasionally at schools or offices. Seasonal exposure to DEP: Diesel exhaust particle outdoor allergens, pollens, and molds is another important ETS: Environmental tobacco smoke source. Exposure to unusual substances at work causes HEPA: High-efficiency particulate air NO2: Nitrogen dioxide occupational asthma, accounting for about 5% of asthma in SO2: Sulfur dioxide adults. Indoor and outdoor air pollutants trigger airway inflammation and increase the severity of asthma. Diesel exhaust particles increase the production of IgE antibodies. of innate immunity influence the development of allergic re- Identification and reduction of exposure to allergens is a very sponses. Although pharmacologic treatments focus on host important part of the management of respiratory allergic factors, interventions directed at environmental factors are critical diseases. The first section of this chapter discusses domestic for optimal management of allergic disease, as well as its allergens, arthropods (mites and cockroaches), molds, and prevention. Environments can be defined as domestic, outdoors, mammals (pets and mice). Indoor humidity and water damage and occupational, and this chapter will focus on the id