Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by inhaling certain substances in the workplace. These substances, known as asthmagens, can cause the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Occupational asthma can be caused by a wide range of substances, including:

Dust from wood, grain, or textiles
Chemicals used in manufacturing, such as isocyanates, anhydrides, and amines
Animal dander, urine, or proteins
Enzymes used in detergents or pharmaceuticals
Metals, such as platinum, chromium, and nickel sulfate
Plants, such as latex, flour, and certain types of grain

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of occupational asthma are similar to those of other types of asthma, and can include:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Occupational asthma can be diagnosed by a doctor based on a person's symptoms, medical history, and the results of certain tests. These tests can include:

Spirometry, a test that measures how much air a person can breathe in and out, and how quickly
Peak flow monitoring, a test that measures how quickly a person can exhale
Allergy testing, to determine if a person is allergic to certain substances
Bronchial provocation testing, to see how a person's airways respond to specific substances

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The primary treatment for occupational asthma is to avoid exposure to the substance that is causing the symptoms. This may involve changing jobs or tasks, or using protective equipment. Medications may also be used to manage symptoms, including:

Bronchodilators, which help to open the airways
Inhaled corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways
Leukotriene modifiers, which help to prevent asthma symptoms

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of occupational asthma involves reducing exposure to asthmagens in the workplace. This can be achieved through:

Substitution, replacing a hazardous substance with a less hazardous one
Isolation, separating the worker from the hazardous substance
Ventilation, removing the hazardous substance from the air
Personal protective equipment, such as respirators

Occupational asthma Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.