Contents:
- Medical Video: Work-Related Asthma Under-Diagnosed
- What are the causes and triggers of occupational asthma?
- What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?
- How to diagnose occupational asthma?
- How to treat occupational asthma?
Medical Video: Work-Related Asthma Under-Diagnosed
Occupational asthma is a form of asthma that is triggered by breathing steam, gas, dust, or other particles in the workplace. This substance can irritate the respiratory tract in the lungs, making it more stiff and swollen. This can result in wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and coughing.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that occupational asthma is a common cause of lung problems among workers in developing countries. They estimate that more than 15% of asthma cases are caused by work-related matters.
What are the causes and triggers of occupational asthma?
Substances in the air can trigger occupational asthma in two ways: by irritating the respiratory tract or by starting an allergic response.
You may have occupational asthma if you have never had asthma before, or you may have had asthma as a child. If you do have asthma, you may find that your asthma symptoms worsen when at work.
You have a higher risk of developing occupational asthma if you smoke, have allergies, or have a history of allergies in the family.
More than 300 substances have been identified that can cause occupational asthma, including:
- proteins from fur, saliva, urine, and animal stools
- chemicals used for industrial products, such as paints, varnishes and adhesives
- enzyme used in detergents and other products
- metals, especially platinum, chromium and nickel sulfate
- plant proteins, such as gas, ammonia, and smoke
- insecticide
You also have a higher risk of occupational asthma if you work as:
- bakers or kitchen workers who bake bread and pastries
- detergent or drug factory
- farmers or grain collectors
- laboratory workers
- metal or plastic worker
- factory workers
- veterinarians and other professions related to animals
Occupational asthma can appear a month or a year after exposure to irritants. This asthma can also appear after a single exposure by a large number of irritants.
What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?
Symptoms of occupational asthma are:
- cough
- tightness in the chest
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
Sometimes, you will experience symptoms while in the office, and these symptoms will improve after you leave the office. Your symptoms usually worsen from day to day during the workday, and will disappear when you go home or are on vacation.
How to diagnose occupational asthma?
Many people with occupational asthma are wrongly diagnosed as bronchitis. If you suffer from asthma symptoms, or if you think you have occupational asthma, you should check with an allergist. Occupational asthma can permanently damage your lungs if not properly diagnosed and treated.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and work, especially regarding any air exposure related to irritants. He will do an examination to find out the cause of your asthma. This examination includes:
- examination of lung function, such as spirometry and measurement of peak flow to see the capacity and function of your lungs
- check nitric oxide to determine whether you have nitric oxide levels in your breath, which can be a marker of asthma
- examination of skin allergies for specific allergens, or substances that cause an allergic response
- blood test to see antibodies in some irritants
- lung examination to measure lung reactions to possible allergens
- chest x-ray
How to treat occupational asthma?
If you have this condition, you should avoid exposure to the various substances that trigger your asthma. You can try switching locations at work. However, in some cases, you may need to find another job where you are not exposed to irritants.
Your doctor can prescribe asthma medications, such as inhaled bronchodilators or steroids, to help reduce your symptoms.
There are several steps you can take to make your asthma attack less painful, or to reduce the frequency. You have to stop smoking, if you smoke. Also, avoid exposure to irritants in the air in your home, including pollen, mold, mites, pet fur, furniture cleaners, chlorine in the pool, and natural gas from the stove. Using air conditioners and dehumidifiers in your home can help clean the air.
Regular exercise can help strengthen your heart and lungs. However, never exercise outside when air pollution is severe or if the temperature is very cold. Both air pollution and cold air can trigger asthma attacks.
With treatment, occupational asthma will be overcome. However, symptoms can continue even after you are no longer exposed to irritant exposure, and may continue for several years.
