Vol 61, No 1 (2010)
Original article
Published online: 2010-05-21
Occupational asthma in the commercial fishing industry: a case series and review of the literature
IMH 2010;61(1):13-16.
Abstract
We present a case series of snow crab-induced occupational asthma (OA) from a fishing and processing
vessel, followed by a review of OA in the commercial fishing industry. OA is typically caused from an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction after respiratory exposure to aerosolized fish and shellfish proteins. It
more commonly occurs due to crustaceans, but molluscs and fin fish are implicated as well. Standard
medical therapy for asthma may be used acutely; however, steps to reduce atmospheric allergen concentrations
in the workplace have proven to be preventive for this disease.
Int Marit Health 2010; 61, 1: 13-17
Int Marit Health 2010; 61, 1: 13-17
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