Occupational asthma (patient information)

Occupational asthma

Overview

What are the symptoms?

What are the causes?

Who is at highest risk?

Diagnosis

When to seek urgent medical care?

Treatment options

Where to find medical care for Occupational asthma?

Prevention

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

Possible complications

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

## Overview

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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?

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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:

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

## What causes Occupational asthma?

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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?

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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

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The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. Your symptoms may have a pattern of getting worse with a certain workplace environment or substance. The health care provider may hear wheezing when listening to the chest with a stethoscope. The following tests may be used to diagnose this condition:

* 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

## When to seek urgent medical care?

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Call for an appointment with your health care provider if asthma symptoms develop.

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if:

* An asthma attack requires more medication than recommended
* Symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment
* You have shortness of breath while talking
* Your peak flow measurement is 50-80% of your personal best

Go to the emergency room if:

* Drowsiness or confusion develops
* There is severe shortness of breath at rest
* The peak flow measurement is less than 50% of your personal best
* You have severe chest pain

## Treatment options

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

The best option is to change jobs, but this may be difficult to do. Moving to a different location at the job where there is less exposure to the substance may help, but it does not seem to make a difference for many people. 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 (almost always inhalers) may help you manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about these medicines.

Asthma quick-relief drugs help relax the muscles of your airways. They are called bronchodilators. Asthma control drugs are taken every day to prevent symptoms.

## Where to find medical care for (condition)?

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Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition

## Prevention

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## What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?

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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.

## Possible complications

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The complications of asthma can be severe. Some include:

* Death
* Decreased ability to exercise and take part in other activities
* Lack of sleep due to nighttime symptoms
* Permanent changes in the function of the lungs
* Persistent cough
* Trouble breathing that requires breathing assistance (ventilator)

## Sources

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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000110.htm