EB: eosinophilic bronchitis; IgE: immunoglobulin E; MIC: methacholine challenge; NSBR: nonspecific bronchial responsiveness (eg, based on methacholine challenge); PC20: provocative dose resulting in a 20% fall in the FEV1; PEF: peak expiratory flow; PFT: pulmonary function test; ssIGE: serum-specific immunoglobulin E.
* This algorithm is intended for use with UpToDate content on occupational asthma. If patient is not working, refer to separate algorithm for evaluation of occupational asthma in patients who are not working.
¶ Objective evidence of asthma: Spirometry showing reversible airflow limitation or bronchoprovocation challenge (eg, methacholine) showing increased NSBR. NSBR should be measured at the end of a working period (eg, end of work week, as a weekend away may be enough to normalize NSBR).
Δ Serial PEF and NSBR are usually concordant, but discordance does not rule out the diagnosis of OA.