Asthma typically begins in early childhood but can also develop later in life. When this condition manifests in adulthood, irritants in the workplace are often to blame. According to the American Lung Association, 1 in 6 adult-onset asthma cases is caused by workplace exposures. In this post, we'll take a look at what occupational asthma is, its symptoms, common triggers and practical options for managing it.
What is occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is the most common form of work-related lung disease in many countries. This type of asthma occurs when a person is exposed to certain substances in the workplace, such as wood dust, plastics and chemicals. Inhaling these irritants can cause inflammation in the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. For individuals who already have asthma, exposure to these things on the job can make asthma worse.
What causes occupational asthma?
Here are some common triggers and those who are most likely to encounter them:
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Flour dust: bakers and millers
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Wood dust: carpenters, joiners and sawmill workers
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Plastics: plastics workers, motor vehicle repairers and foundry workers
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Solder fumes: electronics workers
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Animal dander or urine: animal handlers in research laboratories, scientists, or food processors
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Chemicals used in the healthcare industry to sterilize equipment: healthcare workers
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Latex: healthcare workers, housekeepers, hairdressers and workers in industries that manufacture latex products
What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma symptoms are similar to those of other types of asthma. However, individuals with occupational asthma typically only experience symptoms during the work week. They may cough, wheeze or feel tightness in their chest. These symptoms can develop immediately or several hours after they leave the workplace. Symptoms often improve during weekends and vacations but return after re-exposure.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should inform their doctor as soon as possible to improve their chances of identifying the cause of the symptoms. Over time, untreated occupational asthma may result in long-term lung damage, increasing the risk of illness and serious complications from infections.
How is occupational asthma diagnosed?
To diagnose occupational asthma, a physician or allergist typically starts by asking questions about potential irritants or allergens present in the workplace. If needed, they may suggest that patients undergo a specific inhalation challenge test. This involves exposure to a small amount of a suspected workplace irritant or allergen. The physician then measures lung function to determine whether this substance is the cause of the symptoms.
How is occupational asthma treated?
Managing occupational asthma typically includes:
1. Reducing exposure to possible triggers.
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Improve the ventilation in the work area.
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Wear a type of breathing mask called a respirator.
2. Medications to treat symptoms.
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Inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
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Quick-relief medicines such as bronchodilators to help breathing during an asthma attack.
If symptoms persist despite these interventions, changing jobs may become necessary. Consult a doctor or asthma specialist before making any changes to employment. If you don't have an asthma specialist, you can ask for a referral to PPG – Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. We would love to participate in your care and help stop asthma from interfering with your life.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
