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Occupational asthma

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

 

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which substances found in the workplace cause the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. This leads to attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Causes

 

Asthma is caused by inflammation (swelling) in the airways of the lungs. When an asthma attack occurs, the lining of the air passages swells and the muscles surrounding the airways become tight. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through.

In persons who have sensitive airways, asthma symptoms can be triggered by breathing in substances called triggers.

Many substances in the workplace can trigger asthma symptoms, leading to occupational asthma. The most common triggers are wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi, or chemicals.

The following workers are at higher risk:

  • Bakers
  • Detergent manufacturers
  • Drug manufacturers
  • Farmers
  • Grain elevator workers
  • Laboratory workers (especially those working with laboratory animals)
  • Metal workers
  • Millers
  • Plastics workers
  • Woodworkers

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms are usually due to narrowing of the airways and tightening spasms of the muscles lining the airways. This reduces the amount of air that can pass through and it can lead to wheezing sounds.

Symptoms usually occur shortly after you are exposed to the substance. They 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 go away on weekends or vacations.

Symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Tight feeling in the chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Your symptoms may have a pattern of getting worse with a certain workplace environment or substance.

The provider will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for wheezing.

Tests may be ordered to confirm diagnosis:

  • Blood tests to look for antibodies to the substance
  • Bronchial provocation test (test measuring reaction to the suspected allergen )
  • Chest x-ray
  • Complete blood count
  • Peak expiratory flow rate
  • Pulmonary function tests

 

Treatment

 

Avoiding exposure to the substance that is causing your asthma is the best treatment.

Measures may include:

  • Changing jobs (though this may be difficult to do)
  • Moving to a different location at the work site where there is less exposure to the substance. This may help, but over time, even a very small amount of the substance can trigger an asthma attack.
  • Using a respiratory device to protect or reduce your exposure may help.

Asthma medicines may help manage your symptoms.

Your provider may prescribe:

  • Asthma quick-relief medicines , called bronchodilators, to help relax the muscles of your airways.
  • Asthma control medicines that are taken every day to prevent symptoms.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Occupational asthma may keep getting worse if you continue to be exposed to the substance that is causing the problem, even if medicines improve your symptoms. You may need to change jobs.

Sometimes, symptoms may continue even when the substance is removed.

In general, the outcome for people with asthma is good. However, symptoms may continue for years after you are no longer exposed in the workplace.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have symptoms of asthma.

 

 

Open References

References

Lemiere C, Vandenplas O. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Adkinson NF Jr., Bochner BS, Burks AW, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 59.

 
  • Spirometry

    Spirometry - illustration

    Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.

    Spirometry

    illustration

  • Respiratory system

    Respiratory system - illustration

    Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

    Respiratory system

    illustration

    • Spirometry

      Spirometry - illustration

      Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.

      Spirometry

      illustration

    • Respiratory system

      Respiratory system - illustration

      Air is breathed in through the nasal passageways, travels through the trachea and bronchi to the lungs.

      Respiratory system

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Occupational asthma

           
             

            Review Date: 4/30/2015

            Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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