Utilization of pulmonary function measurements in the assessment of occupational asthma.

Lung function assessments that include spirometry and bronchial responsiveness are now often coupled to immunological assessment and an evaluation of inflammation in the investigation of occupational asthma. For diagnostic purposes, evidence points out that specific inhalation challenges are the gold standard, as previously suspected. In the epidemiological setting, both spirometry and bronchial responsiveness are feasible and safe. The role of lung function assessments in surveillance programmes is still open to discussion.