Asthma: A Layman's Guide - Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma occurs in the workplace or when an individual is constantly exposed to chemicals or compounds that lead to asthma symptoms. It is estimated that there are approximately 11 million individuals that may be exposed to asthma-causing chemicals in workplaces in the United States. The United States Department of Labor reports that 15 percent of all individuals diagnosed with serious and debilitating asthma have occupational asthma.

There are two separate types of occupational asthma. The first, and most common, type of occupational asthma is immunologic asthma. This asthma occurs when workers are exposed to chemicals over a period of time and gradually become more sensitive to one or more chemicals. Each employee may have a different time period where the sensitivity begins to cause problems. Some employees will not develop occupational asthma at all and will have no problems. When the sensitivity increases the result is that the employee or worker gradually has difficulty breathing at work, may complain of chest tightness or pains, and may have a chronic cough or wheeze. The condition may continue to worsen or full-blown asthma attacks may begin to happen both on and off the job.

In some situations, depending on the sensitivity to the chemical or irritant, it may be possible to treat the employee with daily asthma medications and control the symptoms. Generally it is recommended that the employee move to a different area or work environment to prevent the occupational asthma from becoming more damaging to the respiratory system. Frequently, early detection and movement away from the irritant prevents the occupational asthma from becoming problematic. Sometimes the symptoms may completely disappear when the irritant is no longer in the environment.

Cure Your Asthma Right Now 100% GUARANTEED
Are You Sick of Suffering from Allergy and Asthma Drug Side Effects? The truth is, you really don't have to take drugs at all. Click here for details.

Irritant-Induced Asthma

Irritant-induced occupational asthma happens over a very short period of time, often within a few minutes of being exposed to the trigger compound, chemical or environmental component. Usually the irritant-induced asthma occurs when the employee breaths in fumes, mists, dusts or other airborne agents that produce a very dramatic and serious asthma attack. This can be especially difficult to diagnose if other employees in the same environment have no reaction to the same work conditions.

The exact mechanism behind irritant-induced occupational asthma is less well understood than the immunologic asthma. Some pulmonologists and researchers believe that the reaction is so strong because of allergens the body has already responded to that misidentify the compound and overreact, thus causing the asthma attack.

Either form of occupational asthma is very serious. Responsible industries strive to minimize the exposure of workers to any possible allergens, but since every individual responds differently, this can be challenging. Be sure to report any respiratory or breathing problems experienced on the job to supervisors and medical personnel as soon as possible and avoid returning to the area until the allergen is identified and removed.