Do I Have Occupational Asthma?

Are you exposed to wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi or chemicals in the workplace (bakers, detergent manufacturers, drug manufacturers, farmers, grain elevator workers, laboratory workers (especially those working with laboratory animals), metal workers, millers, plastics workers or woodworkers)?

Are you exposed to substances to which you are allergic or maybe exposed to some irritating toxic substances in the workplace?

Do you cough?

Do you have wheezing during the day or at night?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you have a tight feeling in your chest?

Are your symptoms the worst at work and almost completely disappear when you have a day off?

Are your symptoms the mildest at the beginning and the worst at the end of working hours?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by inhalation of chemical fumes, dust, gases or other potentially harmful substances in the workplace. It is caused by inflammation and swelling in the airways of the lungs. The swollen airways become narrower than normal, which makes it difficult for air to pass through, resulting in breathing problems. There are more than 250 substances in the workplace that can be a possible cause of occupational asthma. It is estimated that occupational asthma account for about 15 percent of all asthma cases in the United States.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a lung disorder caused by exposure to various substances in the workplace, such as dust, fumes chemicals and animal fur. It is a common work-related lung disease. Occupational asthma is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest. Symptoms are most intense when you are at work, while they improve when you have a day off. Occupational asthma can occur in previously healthy people as well as in those who already have asthma. They can get worse symptoms while they are at work.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to substances in the workplace. The symptoms of asthma can occur weeks or even months after initial exposure to the substance. However, once you become sensitive to a particular substance, asthma symptoms will appear every time after exposure. A diagnosis is based on a physical examination, lung function tests and an allergy skin prick test. Treatment primarily involves avoiding the substances that cause your problems. In some cases, your doctor will recommend medications to manage your asthma attacks.