Health Encyclopedia

Occupational asthma

Definition

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which various substances found in the workplace lead to breathing difficulties.

Alternative Names

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Many substances in the workplace can cause occupational asthma. The most common triggers are wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi, or other chemicals (especially diisocyanates).

Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause 2-20% of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations.

The following workers are at higher risk:

Bakers
Detergent manufacturers
Drug manufacturers
Farmers
Grain elevator workers
Laboratory workers
Metal workers
Millers
Plastics workers
Woodworkers

Symptoms

Symptoms are usually due to airways inflammation and spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause the muscles to narrow excessively.

They usually occur shortly after being exposed to the offending substance and often improve or disappear when you leave work. Some people may not have symptoms until 12 or more hours after exposure to the allergen.

Symptoms usually get worse toward the end of the work week and may (but not always) go away on weekends or vacations.

In general, symptoms include:

Coughing
Tight feeling in the chest
Shortness of breath
Wheezing

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. There may be a pattern of worsening symptoms associated with a specific workplace environment or substance.

Wheezing may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.

The following tests may be used to diagnose this condition:

Blood tests to detect specific antibodies to suspected offending substances
Bronchial provocation test (test measuring reaction to the suspected allergen)
Chest x-ray
Complete blood count
Peak expiratory flow rate
Pulmonary function tests

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to limit exposure to the asthma-causing substance and improve symptoms.

Treatment may include:

Avoiding source of exposure
Bronchodilators (inhalers or nebulizers)

Other therapies for asthma may be added in more severe cases.

In some instances, symptoms may persist despite removal of the source of exposure.

Support Groups

See: Asthma and allergy - support group

Expectations (prognosis)

In general, the outcome for people with asthma is good. However, symptoms may persist for years after workplace exposure has been eliminated.

Complications

Respiratory fatigue
Side effects of asthma medications

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of asthma.

Prevention

Asthma symptoms can be substantially reduced by avoiding known allergens and airway irritants.

Review Date:10/15/2007
Reviewed By:Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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