Introduction:Atopy is defined by a genetic predisposition to the development of allergies such as asthma.It requires the adequacy between this medical condition and the job held

Aim:To evaluate the influence of atopy on occupational asthma.

Methods:Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted by the occupational medicine department of CH.N Hospital on cases of occupational asthma who consulted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022

Results:A total of 32 cases of occupational asthma were identified.The average age was 42±7 years.A female predominance(68%) was noted.The main occupation was polyvalent blue-collars(77%) with an average professional seniority of 18±6 years.The most represented sector was automotive industry (32%),followed by textile industry(23%) and healthcare sector(18%).The main incriminated agents were formaldehyde and isocyanates(27% each) and vegetal textile dusts (18%).A family history of atopy was reported in 23% of cases.Personal atopy was present in 50% of patients,made of allergic rhinitis(41%), conjunctivitis(32%) and allergic eczema(13.6%).Prick tests were positive in 36% of the employees;75% were allergic to dust mites.Total IgE were positive in 42% of cases.Specific IgE tests were positive in three cases,to isocyanates(n=1) and latex proteins(n=2).Diagnostic confirmation was made by spirometry revealing obstructive ventilatory disorder in 50% of cases and by a positive non-specific bronchial hyperreactivity test in 45% of cases.Asthma was attributed to profession by using longitudinal flowmetry in ten cases and eviction-resumption test in 22 cases

Conclusions:The contribution of atopy in occupational asthma is significant.Reducing its risk in patients with atopic background requires awareness and occupational guidelines