Occupational asthma (patient information)
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Occupational asthma |
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Occupational asthma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which substances found in the workplace cause the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
What are the symptoms of Occupational asthma?
Symptoms are usually due to swelling of the airways and spasms of the muscles lining the airways. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through, and can lead to wheezing sounds. Symptoms usually occur shortly after you are exposed to the substance, and often improve or go away when you leave work. Some people may not have symptoms until 12 or more hours after being exposed 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:
What causes Occupational asthma?
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 asthma cases in industrialized nations.
Who is at highest risk?
The following workers are at higher risk:
- Bakers
- Detergent manufacturers
- Drug manufacturers
- Farmers
- Grain elevator workers
- Laboratory workers
- Metal workers
- Millers
- Plastics workers
- Woodworkers
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for (condition)?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition