The use of psyllium as a pill rather than a powder has reduced the number of cases under medical care. Pysllium is a popular laxative. Asthma, conjunctivitis, urticaria and angio-oedema. In the case of ingestion by a sensitized subject generalised anaphylactic reaction may occur as well as asthma. In firemen exposed to large quantities of PVC combustion products, the long term effects may involve chronic bronchitis.
Smoking is clearly an aggravating factor.
The pathology is also known under the name of meat packers illness. Cough, expectoration and asthma symptoms initially associated with work then becomming persistent elsewhere. Rhinitis and irritative conjunctivitis with headache. Possibility of acute asthma. J. Allergy Clin.