Occupational asthma due to isocyanate exposure in paint and foam manufacturing workers is BEST classified as which type of occupational lung disease?

• A Pneumoconiosis
• B Occupational asthma (sensitizer-induced) ✓
• C Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
• D Byssinosis

Explanation

Isocyanates (TDI, MDI) are the most common cause of sensitizer-induced occupational asthma worldwide, acting as reactive chemicals that conjugate with respiratory proteins to form haptens, inducing IgE-mediated and non-IgE cell-mediated sensitisation. Once sensitised, exposure to even trace amounts triggers asthma. Pneumoconioses are from dust deposition; hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a Type III/IV reaction to organic antigens; byssinosis is from cotton dust.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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