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Alternative names Return to top
Asthma - occupational exposure; Byssinosis - work-aggravated asthma; Irritant-induced reactive airways diseaseDefinition Return to top
A lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and cough, which is caused by various agents found in the work place (see also bronchial asthma). These symptoms are usually due to spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause them to narrow excessively.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma. Most commonly, these include protein molecules (wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi) or other chemicals (especially di-isocyanates). Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause between 2 and 20 percent of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations.
The following workers are at higher risk:
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms usually occur shortly after exposure to the offending agent (the allergen) and often improve or disappear when the affected person leaves the workplace. The symptoms often worsen as the work week progresses and resolve on weekends or vacations. Some people may experience a delayed onset of symptoms, occurring as many as 12 hours after exposure to the allergen.
Signs and tests Return to top
The history reveals a pattern of worsening symptoms associated with exposure to a specific agent or workplace environment. Making the association with the correct allergen can be very difficult.
Wheezing may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation).
Tests used in the diagnosis of occupational asthma may include the following:
Treatment Return to top
The objective of treatment is to limit exposure to the allergen and improve symptoms with bronchodilator therapy. In some instances, symptoms may persist despite removal of the source of exposure. Medications include hand-held inhalers or nebulizers to deliver bronchodilators. Other therapies for bronchial asthma may be added in more severe cases.Support Groups Return to top
The stress related to illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See asthma and allergy - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome for people with asthma in general is good, but symptoms may persist for years after workplace exposure has been eliminated.Complications Return to top
Complications include continued asthma symptoms after removal from the source of exposure.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if signs of occupational asthma develop.Prevention Return to top
Once the cause is determined, avoid further exposure to it. Update Date: 5/7/2003 Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |