This review summarizes the recent literature on the long-term outcome of sensitizer-induced and irritant-induced occupational asthma.

Recent studies of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma show that after the offending exposure has ceased, most patients report at least partial relief of symptoms. However, in the long term, the diagnosis may negatively impact their careers, incomes, and quality of life. The studies also offer new insights into diisocyanate-induced occupational asthma phenotypes and asthma remission rates. One third of these cases were in remission in long-term after reduction or cessation of exposure. The long-term prognosis of irritant-induced occupational asthma was demonstrated to be poorer than sensitizer-induced occupational asthma. Older age, low fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels and uncontrolled asthma at the time of diagnosis predicted uncontrolled asthma in the long term in patients with irritant and low-molecular-weight sensitizer induced occupational asthma.

Recent studies provide further evidence of the long-term outcome of different occupational asthma phenotypes and the factors that affect them. These findings help us identify patients at risk of poor asthma outcomes, who need close monitoring and support. It should also be borne in mind that occupational asthma diagnosis may have wider-ranging negative impacts on patients’ lives.