Characteristics of Patients with Occupational Asthma in Türkiye, a Developing Country.

Background

Occupational asthma (OA) accounts for 10-25% of all adult-onset asthma cases. Prolonged exposure without avoidance worsens the prognosis of asthma. Diagnosis plays a key role in treatment by identifying risk factors and preventing exposure. Previous studies have shown that the most common causative substances may vary depending on the characteristics of each country, and these substances may result in different clinical presentations. This study aimed at evaluating the clinical features and characteristics of workplace exposures among OA patients diagnosed in an Occupational Disease Clinic in Türkiye.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected retrospectively from clinical records by three experts using a standardised data registration form. Descriptive statistics for OA cases were presented. The chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparative analysis.

Results

The mean time from symptom onset to OA diagnosis for 104 OA cases was nearly four years (46.75 months, ±56.20). High-molecular-weight (HMW) agents were responsible in 22.1% of cases. Skin prick test positivity and a history of atopy were significantly higher in individuals exposed to HMW agents (p-values: 0.008 and <0.001, respectively). One in five (20.2%) OA patients had exposure to metal dust, fumes or welding fumes, and two-thirds (67.3%) were employed in the industrial manufacturing sector.

Conclusion

OA is underdiagnosed, particularly in developing countries, and recognition of occupational causality is often delayed. Metal exposure, as indicated by the results, can be a significant contributor to OA in Türkiye. Identifying exposure potentials in line with local economic characteristics may raise awareness.