Introduction:
Work-related asthma is a lung disorder caused by exposure to inhaled irritants at the workplace. It is also referred to as occupational asthma. It can be caused by exposure to a sensitive substance or irritating toxic substances, causing an allergic or immunological response. These irritants in the working environment can induce asthma in one of three possible ways:
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By causing an allergic reaction - These people with allergies develop allergic asthma.
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An irritant reaction - It refers to a person who reacts to smoking with asthma.
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Asthma attack results from the building up of naturally occurring chemicals, such as histamines, in the lungs.
What Are the Symptoms of Work-Related Asthma?
The asthma symptoms usually get worse when exposed to irritants at work, whereas the symptoms may get better when not at work. Hence, the onset of symptoms may subside during weekends or vacations, but the symptoms occur within 24 hours once stepped into the working environment.
The symptoms of asthma include:
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Wheezing.
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Nasal congestion.
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Runny nose.
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Eye irritation.
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Chest tightness.
The symptoms depend on the substance getting exposed, the duration, and the frequency of exposure. The details include:
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The symptoms occur at work and other places.
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They may worsen as the workweek progresses, with no symptoms during weekends and vacations, and may recur once the patient returns to work.
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Symptoms start as soon as exposure to an asthma-inducing substance occurs at work or may occur only after regular exposure to the substance.
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Symptoms may continue even after the exposure is stopped. The longer the exposure to asthma-causing substances, the more susceptible a person becomes to having long-lasting or permanent asthma symptoms.
What Are the Causes of Work-Related Asthma?
Asthma symptoms start to occur once the lungs are exposed to irritants and become inflamed.
Inhalation of fumes, such as chlorine, triggers immediate asthma symptoms, even without an allergy.
Various substances are involved in causing work-related asthma. These include:
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Chemicals: The chemicals are used to make laminates, varnishes, paints, adhesives, and soldering resin. Other chemical substances include those that are involved in making insulation, foam mattresses, packaging materials, and upholstery.
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Metals: Metals such as chromium, platinum, and nickel sulfate induce asthma.
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Plant Substances: These include proteins found in flour, cereals, cotton, flax, wheat, rye, hemp, natural rubber latex, wheat, and papain (a digestive enzyme derived from papaya).
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Respiratory Irritants: Irritants such as chlorine gas, smoke, and sulfur dioxide are responsible for causing asthma.
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Animal Substances: These include proteins found in the pet’s dander, hair, fur, saliva, scales, and body wastes.
What Are the Risk Factors Causing Work-Related Asthma?
The risk factors associated with work-related asthma include:
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Family History of Allergy or Asthma: If there is a history of asthma or allergy in the family, the parents may pass down the genes to their children, which makes them more likely to develop asthma.
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Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing asthma through chronic exposure to lung irritants.
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Exposed to Asthma Triggers: If people are exposed to lung irritants or asthma-triggered substances at the workplace, they are more likely to induce asthma.
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Existing Allergies or Asthma: People with a history of asthma or allergy are at increased risk, but some people without allergies or asthma, when exposed to lung irritants at the workplace, never have symptoms.
What Are the Diagnostic Measures to Diagnose Work-Related Asthma?
The diagnostic procedures to rule out work-related asthma are similar to other types of asthma.
Various tests are carried out to check whether the person reacts to specific substances related to the working environment. The tests to rule out the causes of occupational asthma are:
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Allergy Skin Test: In this test, the skin is pricked with purified allergy extracts and observed for allergic reactions. It is useful in determining the sensitivity to molds, dust, mites, animal dander, and latex.
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Challenge Test: A person is asked to inhale an aerosol containing a suspected chemical and is checked for the reaction. The lung function is monitored before and after the aerosol is given to check for any breathing difficulty.
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Chest X-ray: This test helps evaluate other kinds of work-related breathing disorders.
What Are the Treatment Approaches for Occupational Asthma?
The primary goal of the treatment is to prevent the symptoms and restrict the progress of the asthmatic attack. The same medication strategies are followed for treating both occupational and non-occupational asthma. Certain factors, such as age, triggers, symptoms, and factors that help keep asthma under control, are considered when choosing the medication.
Short-Term Medications:
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Beta-agonists: These medications aim to provide quick relief and ease the symptoms during an asthma attack.
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Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids: These medications relieve airway inflammation in cases of severe asthma. When administered for the long term, it results in serious side effects.
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Long-Term Medications:
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Leukotriene Modifiers: These help reduce inflammation and are used as an alternative to corticosteroids. In some cases, they are used along with corticosteroids.
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Inhaled Corticosteroids: They have a low risk of side effects and effectively help reduce inflammation.
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Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs): Long-acting beta-agonists are generally used along with inhaled corticosteroids which actively reduce inflammation and help clear the airway.
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Inhalers: Inhalers are most commonly used along with the combination of long-acting beta-agonists and corticosteroids.
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Antihistamines and Decongestants: Oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants are recommended for asthma triggered by allergies.
Conclusion:
Avoidance of work-related triggers plays an important role in managing occupational asthma. In certain jobs, exposure to triggers is unavoidable. Hence, employers insist on assisting employees to a more suitable workplace. A proper diagnosis and timely management by avoiding exposure and other medications aid in a better outcome of the condition. If not properly diagnosed, repeated exposure to irritants may cause complete or permanent lung damage.
