Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome Developed in Herbal Tea Processor with Sensitizer-Induced Occupational Asthma - A Case Report

• Main Authors: Jordan Minov (Author), Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska (Author), Kristin Vasilevska (Author), Saso Stoleski (Author), Dragan Mijakoski (Author), Aneta Atanasovska (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Global Journal of Allergy - Peertechz Publications, 2017-02-23.
• Subjects: Case Report
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS), a clinical syndrome common in routine practice, is still not fully defined entity characterized by features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In the present article a case with clinical syndrome of chronic airways disease sharing characteristics of asthma and COPD is described. In a 57-year old man working in herbal tea manufacture the diagnosis of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma (OA) was established at the age of 45 by recommended diagnostic work-up. After the diagnosis was established he was removed from the offending workplace exposure, the pharmacological treatment with inhaled corticosteroid was started and he was advised to quit smoking. He stopped use of the recommended medications after about two years and did not quit smoking. We saw the patient about 10 years after his last visit and he reported cough with sputum production and exertional dyspnea in the past one to two years. The spirometric findings indicated persistent airflow obstruction with positive response to bronchodilator. The features of COPD in the previously diagnosed asthmatic suggested overlap between two chronic airways diseases, i.e. the diagnosis of ACOS. Pharmacological treatment with combined therapy (inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting β2-agonist) was started and he was advised to attend the programme for smoking cessation.</p>