Occupational asthma, also known as work-related asthma, develops from exposure to harmful substances on the job.
Occupational asthma, also known as work-related asthma, develops from exposure to harmful substances on the job. It is the most common job-related lung disease in the U.S. that impacts approximately 15% of adults with asthma. The National Institutes of Health reports that more than 250 substances are known or believed to cause or exacerbate work-related asthma.
Risk Factors of Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is triggered by gases, cleaning chemicals, fragrances, fumes, disinfectants, dust, mold, plants, animals and many other harmful items in the work environment. Isocyanates (widely used in foams, fibers, and coatings) and flour dust are the most common causes of occupational asthma. Exposure to these irritants may cause new cases of asthma or aggravate existing asthma at the slightest provocation. People with a family history of food or inhalant allergies and eczema are more likely to eventually develop occupational asthma.
Asthma varies in symptoms and the length of time before signs occur. Some symptoms can emerge immediately after exposure to an irritant and the other could take months and even years to follow.
Main Types
There are two main types of occupational asthma: immunologically-mediated, caused by chronic exposure to an allergen that sensitizes the body's immune system; and irritant-mediated, caused by a high-level agent exposure that directly irritates the airways. The former typically has a delayed onset of symptoms, whereas the latter causes symptoms immediately during exposure.
Symptoms
Here are the common signs you should look for: wheezing; tight, purposeful cough; shortness of breath; and chest tightness. Other possible signs may include runny or stuffy nose and eye irritation. In severe cases, if a person is not able to avoid exposure, occupational asthma can trigger permanent lung damage and disability.
Prevention Tips
1. BE MINDFUL
Report early warning signs like cough or eyes irritation immediately to your employer.
2. SEEK HELP
Make an appointment with the allergist as soon as possible. While primary care providers can manage the most cases of asthma, the allergist can provide a higher degree of medical diagnostic and management.
3. AVOID EXPOSURE
This rule cannot be emphasized enough. Avoiding exposure to the substance may be all that is needed to eliminate the risk of developing chronic asthma.
4. AVOID TOBACCO SMOKE
Secondhand smoke is a direct cause of any type of asthma.
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