MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Industrial bronchitis

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Industrial bronchitis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Bronchitis

Lung anatomy

Bronchitis and Normal Condition in Tertiary Bronchus

Respiratory system

Alternative names Return to top

Occupational bronchitis

Definition Return to top

Industrial bronchitis is an inflammation of the large airways of the lungs of workers who are exposed to dusts, fumes, mists, fogs, or smoke.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Exposure to dusts, fumes, strong acids, and other airborne chemicals causes this type of bronchitis. Smoking is a contributing factor. A risk factor is occupational exposure to dusts such as asbestos, talc, silica, cotton, flax, and coal.

Associated diseases include occupational asthma, chronic bronchitis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and asbestosis.

Symptoms Return to top

Shortness of breath
Continuous cough producing sputum
Wheezing

Signs and tests Return to top

A physical examination reveals wheezing.

Tests include the following:

Treatment Return to top

The objective of treatment is to avoid the causative irritant. Acute cases run their course and require no further treatment. If you are at risk or have experienced this problem and you smoke, stop smoking.

Supportive measures include rest, increased fluid intake, and breathing humidified air to aid in the removal of secretions from the airways.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The probable outcome is good as long as exposure to the irritant can be eliminated. Chronic disability from industrial bronchitis is rare.

Complications Return to top

The complications vary and are those of associated diseases. Occasionally industrial bronchitis progresses to permanent respiratory impairment such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you are regularly exposed to dusts, fumes, strong acids, or other chemicals that can affect the lungs and symptoms of bronchitis develop.

Prevention Return to top

Dust control in industrial settings (face masks, protective clothing, treatment of textiles) is essential. Stop smoking if you are at risk. Early screening by a physician is advisable for those exposed to chemicals that can cause this condition.

Update Date: 5/12/2004

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University Hospital, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.