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Alternative names Return to top
Occupational bronchitisDefinition 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
Signs and tests Return to top
A physical examination reveals wheezing.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.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.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |