There are many substances that can cause or trigger asthma attacks, including exposure to Western Red Cedar dust. Asthmatic reactions can occur in individuals who are allergic to the plicatic acid found in Western Red Cedar. Individuals at the highest risk are construction workers, sawmill employees, shingle makers, carpenters, wood carvers or anyone who works with red cedar. If cedar asthma symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention, as there are treatment options available.
Coughing and Wheezing
Exposure to Western Red Cedar can either cause asthma in a person who is allergic or sensitive to plicatic acid, or it can exacerbate the symptoms of someone who already had asthma before being exposed. A person who is sensitive to red cedar may respond by developing a chronic cough or wheezing, states the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries.
Initially, symptoms may just occur at work and then subside when at home. However over time, symptoms can become chronic and occur even when not around the cedar. The good news is that this condition is preventable, through establishing procedures and using equipment that reduces exposure to the dust.
Shortness of Breath
Each case of cedar asthma is different. Sometimes the symptoms appear immediately after exposure, while in other cases it can take weeks, months or years of exposure before asthma develops.
Western Red Cedar asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, occur because in some individuals this dust irritates the air passageways, causing them to narrow. In addition, the immune system may respond by making the mucus stickier than normal or creating inflammation, which increases the amount of fluid in the lungs. All of the above, can restrict the amount of air that can enter and exist the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Chest Pain
Asthma in general can lead to temporary or chronic chest pain. When an asthma attack occurs, the constant coughing can strain the chest muscles and make them sore, warns the Mayo Clinic. Working hard to breathe can pull on and strain the muscles that move the ribs, which can also create chest tightness or discomfort.
Chest pain may be very localized or spread over a wide area. It may become worse when taking a deep breath or when exhaling. If Western Red Cedar asthma is suspected, a physician can run allergy test to confirm a diagnosis.
