Occupational asthma physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Physical Examination

A skin prick test is performed on the inner aspect of the forearm. A technician will draw a grid and systematically drop specific allergens within grid spaces. The skin is then pricked through a lancet to induce a potential interaction.
Reactions, if any, occur within 10-15 minutes of allergen contact. The results of these reactions assist in determination of level of severity of allergic reaction and types of allergic triggers.^[1]

Conventionally, a spirometer is a device used to measure timed expired and inspired volumes.
Expired and inspired volume measurements then enable us to measure how quickly the lungs can be emptied and filled and whether it is effective.
These measurements need to be stated at body temperature and the pressure will have to be saturated with water vapor to get the correct values. The specificity of measurement is important as if the spirometer is dry, the recorded volume of air displaced is lower than that actually displaced by the lungs^[2].

References

Overview