Pesticides and Asthma - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Asthma also called bronchial asthma, is a pulmonary or respiratory disease often associated with various pollutants and dust particles in the air, causing asthma attacks. Also, pesticides kill insects and pests in multiple industries to protect against disease. When inhaled, it triggers asthma. Farmers and agricultural workers are exposed to chemicals used in farming which cause them chronic lung irritation leading to asthma and other diseases. The use of pesticides is not just limited to industries and agriculture. The disinfectants and insect killers used at home are also asthma trigger irritants.

What are Pesticides?

Pesticides are chemical substances manufactured biologically to kill the growth of insects, pests, rodents, rats, and any unwanted change that affects the agricultural process. There are different types of pesticides available in the market;

• Insecticides - Are used to kill or repel insects.

• Herbicides - Are used to control the growth of undesirable natural vegetation.

• Fungicides - Are used to prevent fungi growth.

• Disinfectants - Are used at home to kill disease-causing germs and other microorganisms.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma or bronchial asthma causes inflammation, swelling, and narrowing of the airways by producing extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe correctly.

What Are the Causes of Asthma?

• Allergic - The asthma attack is caused by allergens like molds, pollen, and dust.

• Non-Allergic - Exercise, weather, and stress can also cause an asthma attack.

• Genetic - A family history of having asthma can lead to a high risk of developing the disease.

• Respiratory Infections - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause lung damage in young children.

How Do Pesticides Cause Asthma?

Pesticides usually do not affect or damage the bronchial mucus at low exposure levels. However, prolonged exposure to high amounts of pesticides can initiate the risk of developing asthma or trigger previous asthmatic symptoms and cause an asthma attack.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?

• Pain and tightness in the chest.

• Disturbed sleep due to wheezing and coughing.

• Dry cough.

• Shortness of breath (SOB).

• Wheezing sound while exhaling.

• Severe cough and wheezing attacks due to cold or flu caused by a distressed respiratory virus.

What Are the Common Asthma Triggers?

• Smoke.

• Fragrance.

• Dust mites.

• Pests and insects.

• Pesticides and disinfectants.

• Pets.

• Other triggers.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

• Chest X-rays for any structural abnormality like an infection.

• Nitric oxide test to check the nitric oxide level in the inflamed airway (symptom for asthma).

• Sputum test for eosinophil (white blood cells).

• Skin or blood test for any allergies.

• Methacholine test to check for asthma triggers symptoms.

What Are the Different Studies on Pesticides Causing Asthma?

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides: Asthma can be caused to anyone involved in the manufacturing of the product, transportation and supply process, loading and unloading, mixing chemicals for preparations and using it in the fields, fumigation, etc. various studies were conducted to show asthma symptoms and toxicity caused by pesticides, they are,

• In 1993, a study was conducted on 167 greenhouse workers and some office workers, and the comparison was made by the researchers based on their respiratory health affected by pesticides. Greenhouse workers were found with chronic cough, chest tightness, rhinitis, breathlessness, and wheezing.

• Another study conducted on Brazilian farmers and agricultural workers showed the symptoms of respiratory diseases and asthma due to pesticide exposure more in females than males.

• A recent study in India in 2011 showed the association between pesticides inducing asthma and respiratory problems among applicators using truck-mounted sprays for agricultural purposes.

What Are the Treatment Options for Asthma?

Asthma treatment usually involves taking preventive measures, identifying the triggers, monitoring your breathing, and taking proper medication as prescribed by the doctor.

Asthma treatment usually involves taking preventive measures, identifying the triggers, monitoring your breathing, and taking proper medication as prescribed by the doctor.

1. Medication for Long-Term Asthma Control

• Inhaled Corticosteroids - These are used for several days for maximum benefits and have fewer side effects than oral steroids. E.g., Beclomethasone and Fluticasone furoate.

• Combination Inhalers- These contain long-acting beta-agonists with corticosteroids. E.g., Fluticasone-Salmeterol.

• Theophylline - Helps keep the airway passage open by relaxing the airway muscles.

• Leukotriene Modifiers - These drugs relieve asthma symptoms, and some side effects from this medication need immediate medical attention. E.g., Montelukast, Zafirlukast and Zileuton.

2. Medication for Short-Term Asthma Control (Quick-Relief)

• Short-Term Beta-agonists - They are quick-relief inhalers for relief from asthma symptoms. E.g. Albuterol and Levalbuterol.

• Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids - They relieve inflammation in the airways due to severe asthma. E.g., Prednisone and Methylprednisolone.

• Anticholinergic Agents - Ipratropium and Tiotropium relax the airway for easier breathing.

3. Bronchial Thermoplasty - This treatment option is used when inhalers and other medications do not subside or control severe asthma symptoms. The doctor uses electrodes to heat the lungs' airways and smoothen the passage. This treatment requires two to three visits to a clinic.

What Are the Preventive Measures for Pesticide-Induced Asthma?

• People must buy pesticides used for household purposes with caution that fulfills the need and is pest-specific.

• Avoid the use of aerosol products for carpet cleaning and indoor usage.

• Wear protection while handling and using pesticides and keep them away from reach.

• Do regular breathing exercises and maintain proper ventilation at home.

• They must be kept away from children.

• Wear a proper mask in polluted areas to avoid dust and other triggers.

• Instructions related to the handling and usage of pesticides must be followed by people strictly.

• Pesticides should be stored and disposed of properly.

• Properly clean the spills and exposed skin area and use gloves and clothes properly after exposure.

• Try using non-chemical methods such as hand weeding for pest and insect control at home and wherever possible.

Conclusion:

Pesticides are the cause of various respiratory problems, including asthma. Occupational and agricultural use of pest control chemicals affects a person's respiratory health, causing asthma to trigger symptoms in workers. These chemicals are used for cleaning and disinfection at home, irritate the airway passage and develop asthma. Therefore, these chemicals must be used with proper caution and label guidelines for safety purposes and to prevent developing or triggering asthma.