Occupational asthma due to freeze-dried raspberry.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possibility that inhalation of raspberry powder at work can cause occupational asthma.

METHODS

We report the case of a 35-year-old, nonsmoking woman who complained of hay fever symptoms, wheezing, and shortness of breath two or three times a month exclusively in association with coating chewing gum with raspberry powder. Prick test extracts with the five types of fruit powder were produced. Peak expiratory flow rate monitoring five times daily was performed for an 8-week period while the patient was at work. Specific IgE and histamine release tests for raspberry powder were performed. Breathing zone dust measurements were taken.

RESULTS

Baseline lung function and histamine provocation test results were normal. During the 8-week monitoring period, 5 episodes of reduced peak expiratory flow rate were demonstrated. Each period was directly related to working with raspberry powder. A 9-mm prick test result positive for raspberry powder was seen (histamine control, 9 mm). In addition, the result of a radioallergosorbent test for raspberry was positive (0.84 kUA/L). The result of a histamine release test with raspberry powder from work was negative. Breathing zone total dust measurement was 5.9 mg/m3.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first description of occupational asthma due to the inhalation of raspberry powder. The symptoms of the patient described herein disappeared after she was moved to another part of the factory. Hygienic improvements were performed at the workplace to reduce the sensitization risk of other workers.