Occupational Asthma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Occupational asthma develops when a person breathes in harmful substances at work. These workplace triggers include fumes, gases, dust, and other materials that can cause the immune system to react.
This reaction changes how the lungs function, leading to narrowed and swollen airways that may produce excess mucus. For those with a previous asthma diagnosis, proper treatment can help control symptoms triggered by workplace substances.
Signs and Symptoms
Work-related asthma can show up in many ways. Common signs include wheezing sounds when breathing, frequent coughing, trouble getting enough air, and feeling tightness in the chest area.
You might also notice other problems like a runny or stuffy nose, and eyes that feel itchy or watery.
The timing of these symptoms can give important clues. They might:
- Start right after working with certain materials
- Begin later in your workday or after your shift ends
- Feel better on weekends or vacations, then return when you go back to work
- Start early in the day and stop improving on days off as the condition gets worse
- Become ongoing even after long breaks from work
When to Get Medical Help
Seek emergency care immediately if:
- Your breathing problems quickly get worse
- Your rescue inhaler doesn’t help
- You struggle to breathe even when resting or doing little activity
It’s important to make a doctor’s appointment if you notice any breathing difficulties like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath that don’t go away or get worse over time.
Causes
Occupational asthma can develop from exposure to various substances in the workplace. Over 400 workplace materials have been linked to this condition.
Animal proteins in dander, fur, saliva, and waste products can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals. Workers who handle animals regularly face higher risks.
Many chemicals found in manufacturing processes pose dangers. These include ingredients in paints, varnishes, adhesives, and soldering materials. People who produce insulation, packaging, foam mattresses, and upholstery may also face exposure.
Workplace triggers include:
- Enzymes in cleaning products and baking flour
- Metals (particularly platinum, chromium, and nickel sulfate)
- Plant materials such as natural rubber latex, flour, cereals, and various grains
- Irritating gases like chlorine, sulfur dioxide, and smoke
When these substances enter the lungs, they cause irritation that triggers an immune response. This response leads to inflammation—swelling and tissue changes in the airways. The inflamed airways narrow, making breathing difficult.
The inflammation may result from an allergic reaction to substances like mold or animal proteins. In other cases, the reaction occurs from direct irritation by substances like chlorine or smoke, without involving allergies.
Risk Factors
Many things can increase your chance of getting asthma from your job. The more you work with irritating substances, the higher your risk becomes.
Jobs with Higher Risks
Some jobs put workers at greater danger of developing breathing problems. These occupations involve regular contact with substances known to trigger asthma symptoms:
- Food Workers: Bakers and food production staff exposed to flour, grains, milk powder, and egg powder.
- Animal Handlers: Veterinarians and others who work with animal proteins.
- Healthcare Professionals: Nurses and doctors who frequently use latex gloves and certain chemicals.
- Woodworkers: Carpenters, forest workers, and cabinetmakers who breathe wood dust daily.
- Textile Employees: Workers exposed to dyes and plastic materials.
- Chemical Handlers: Spray painters, insulation installers, plastic manufacturers, and welders.
Your risk also increases if you:
- Have existing allergies or asthma already.
- Come from a family with asthma or allergies.
- Work directly with known asthma triggers.
- Smoke cigarettes while working around certain irritants.
Even with these risk factors, not everyone develops occupational asthma. Many people with allergies work in high-risk jobs for years without problems.
Complications
Long-term exposure to substances that trigger occupational asthma can worsen symptoms over time. The duration of exposure directly affects recovery time—the longer you’re exposed, the longer it takes for symptoms to improve after removing yourself from the trigger.
In some cases, these airborne triggers cause permanent lung damage.
Preventing Occupational Asthma
Preventing occupational asthma focuses on limiting exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. Companies should implement control measures, use safer alternatives, and provide proper protective equipment for workers.
Workplace Controls
Employers should take these important steps to protect workers:
- Inform workers about hazardous chemicals they may encounter
- Provide training on safe handling procedures
- Teach emergency protocols for incidents like chemical spills
- Supply appropriate protective gear including masks and respirators
- Conduct additional training when introducing new chemicals
Safety data sheets must be maintained for all harmful substances used in the workplace. Workers have the legal right to review these documents. If you suspect a substance is causing allergic reactions, show this information to your healthcare provider.
Personal Prevention Strategies
Workers can take several actions to reduce their risk:
| Action | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Stop smoking | May prevent or reduce asthma symptoms |
| Get flu vaccines | Helps avoid respiratory illnesses |
| Avoid certain medications | Some drugs like NSAIDs might worsen symptoms |
| Maintain a healthy weight | Can improve breathing and lung function |
Reporting Unsafe Conditions
Workers should remain alert to potentially unsafe or unhealthy workplace conditions. Report concerns to supervisors first.
If necessary, contact workplace safety authorities to request an inspection. Workers can typically do this anonymously to avoid potential workplace issues.
Protective Equipment
Proper use of personal protective equipment is essential. This may include:
- Respirators
- Face masks
- Gloves
- Protective clothing
Each equipment type should be appropriate for the specific substances encountered. They should also fit properly to provide effective protection.
Regular training on proper use of protective equipment helps ensure maximum benefit.
Employers must follow established safety guidelines to create a healthy work environment. Taking these preventive measures helps reduce the risk of developing occupational asthma. It also protects the long-term health of workers in high-risk industries.
