16th January 2024

Presentation

Allergic OA features:

• There is normally a history of atopy
• There is a recognised interval period between first exposure and onset of symptoms, which can range from several weeks to several years
• The presence of asthma-related symptoms such as rhinitis and conjunctivitis over a period whilst at work
• Improvement of symptoms when away from the workplace (e.g., on weekends and holidays)

Irritant-induced (non-allergic) OA features:

• Rapid onset of asthma symptoms following exposure to a substance at work
• Time of symptom onset is typically minutes to hours and can persist for longer periods of time (no interval period)
• Symptoms may last up to three months
• There is no association with smoking or atopy