Value of realistic exposure tests in the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to exotic woods

Respiratory pathology related to the increased use of exotic woods has become much more extensive in recent years. The recognition of occupational asthma due to these woods is easy when the history is sufficiently striking. By contrast, the diagnosis may be much more difficult because of frequent inadequacy in classical allergological and immunological tests. This leads to the need for more extensive special investigations. Realistic tests are the most valuable. In the present report, the authors describe the results of such tests in 10 cases of occupational asthma due to exotic woods. They compared history (past, clinical manifestations), results of pulmonary function tests, allergological studies (skin tests and laboratory) and realistic exposure tests. They describe the principles, value, results, limitations and disadvantages.