Using Oasys to diagnose asthma problems related to medication / diet

Can the oasys program be used to help patients who suspect a medication (or even dietary element) is worsening their asthma? For example, could they record 2 weeks on their prophylactic antibiotic for UTIs and then 2 weeks off? If so, what would be the best way to do the record (ie how many changes between on & off the substance in question)?

Oasys, Specialist, 2/20/2006, 2/20/2006,

The Oasys analysis requires periods with and without exposure. It compares a period say of exposure with periods of no exposure either side (a complex); the best results are achieved with 5 or more complexes. If reactions are allergic (and not due to changes in microbial flora); the best results would be achieved by having 3 days with and 3 days without treatment alternately. One complex will then be achieved after 9 days, and a futher complex every 3 days thereafter (5 complexes = 21 days). In the occupational setting at least three consecutive workdays with exposure is required for maximum sensitivity. I would aim for 2-hourly readings as there are a lot of confounding factors that relate to individual readings which can be a problem, particularly with less than 4 readings/day. I would be very careful doing this if the suspected reactions are severe, when a challenge test is likely to be safer. There are recorded individuals with occupational asthma due to antimicrobials nebulised to patients without proper exhaust extraction. Diet is more of a problem and I think would be managed better with blind challenges.

2/20/2006