1. Workplace Irritants Can Cause Damage
Occupational asthma happens when your lungs overreact to workplace dusts, fumes, gases or vapors. Exposure to these workplace irritants cause inflammation in the airways and make breathing difficult. Long-term exposure to the irritants can cause permanent lung damage.
2. Breathing Problems Are a Sign of Trouble
Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath can signal occupational asthma. It's possible to suffer from all of these symptoms or just one. The onset of occupational asthma can occur during work while exposed to the triggers, or it can strike several hours before or after work. Symptoms of occupational asthma are reversible during its early stages, meaning that they go away for the weekend or during vacations. Over time, however, the asthma can bring on sensitivities to substances outside of work, such as temperature changes, cigarette smoke or household dust.
3. Occupational Asthma Affects a Small Percentage
If you or a loved one in your family has a history of allergies or another form of asthma, then you're more likely to develop this occupational-related lung disease. However, anyone can be affected. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of workers are exposed to workplace substances that can affect the lungs. Inhalation of chemical vapors or dusts found in packaging materials, polyurethane paint or upholstery puts you at risk. Constant exposure to bacterial dust, dander or small insects is common if you're a farmer, veterinarian or kennel worker. It's also possible to breathe in cereal, coffee or flour dust if you work in the food processing industry. In addition, take caution if you work with cotton or textiles or manufacture metals, since dusts and fumes are airborne.
4. Examination Can Link Symptoms to Workplace
The doctor will give a physical examination to determine other causes of your illness and whether it's related to where you work. You may be subjected to a pulmonary function test as well as a blood and sputum test to confirm occupational asthma. A chest X-ray is also involved to test for other lung diseases.
5. Avoid Triggers to Reduce Discomfort
Changing jobs may be necessary to treat or prevent occupational asthma. But, if that's impossible, industrial hygiene practices should be practiced. This involves clearing dust from the work area as much as possible and opening windows or air vents for proper ventilation. Occupational asthma is treated through medication, physical therapy and the use of breathing aids like respirators or dust masks.
