A 38-year-old spray painter with worsening asthma uses isocyanate paints. Specific IgE negative but serial PEF shows clear work-related

Question

A 38-year-old spray painter with worsening asthma uses isocyanate paints. Specific IgE negative but serial PEF shows clear work-related deterioration. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

PEF data supports occupational asthma despite negative IgE as isocyanate asthma is not always IgE-mediated

Answer

Retest IgE in three months before any diagnosis

Answer

Negative IgE excludes isocyanate asthma

Answer

PEF pattern is likely exercise-induced

Answer

Findings suggest pre-existing asthma aggravated by irritants

Isocyanate-induced asthma — DOccMed MCQ

A 38-year-old spray painter with worsening asthma uses isocyanate paints. Specific IgE negative but serial PEF shows clear work-related deterioration. What is the most appropriate interpretation?