Reducing exposure can reduce symptoms of occupational asthma

MILWAUKEE-Americans experiencing symptoms of allergies or asthma in the workplace, might actually be allergic to work. Up to 15% of adult asthma cases in the United States have job-related factors, and it accounts for approximately 24.5 million missed work days annually.

According to the American Academy of Allergies, Asthma & Immunology, occupational asthma is generally defined as a lung disorder caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances while on the job.

"A personal history or family history of allergies can make a person more likely to develop occupational asthma," said Michael C. Zacharisen, MD, FAAAAI, and Chair of the AAAAI's Occupational Diseases Committee. "However, symptoms can develop for the first time in someone who has no history of allergies or asthma if exposed to conditions that trigger it."

Symptoms of occupational asthma include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, difficulty exercising and cough. Symptoms can also include runny nose, nasal congestion and eye irritation. These symptoms often worsen through the work week, improve on the weekend and recur when the worker returns to the job.

Workers who are experiencing symptoms or who anticipate being exposed to an agent or agents that increases their risk of developing asthma should see an allergist/immunologist for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. In some cases, pre-treatment with specific medications to counteract the effects of workplace substances can be helpful. In other situations, complete avoidance may be necessary.

Occasionally, workers with persistent asthma symptoms caused by substances in the workplace are incorrectly diagnosed as having bronchitis. If occupational asthma is not correctly diagnosed early, and the worker is not protected or removed from the exposure, permanent lung changes may occur and asthma symptoms may persist even without exposure to the triggers.

Who is at risk?
Incidence of occupational asthma varies within individual industries. In the detergent industry, inhalation of a particular enzyme used to produce washing powders has led to the development of respiratory symptoms in approximately 25% of exposed employees. Approximately 5% of people working with laboratory animals or with powdered natural latex gloves have developed occupational asthma.

Chemicals widely used in many industries, including spray painting, insulation installation, and in manufacturing plastics, rubber and foam can cause asthma in up to 10% of exposed workers. Occasionally, an accident at work involving a high exposure to irritating fumes or dusts may cause asthma.

Reducing exposure
Once the cause is identified, exposure levels should be reduced. For instance, a worker could be moved to another job within the plant. Employers might consider pre-screening potential employees with lung function tests and then continue to test for symptoms after certain periods on the job once the worker has been hired to ensure that he or she has not developed asthma. Work areas should be closely monitored so that exposure to asthma-causing substances is kept at the lowest possible levels.

Contact an allergist/immunologist for more information on treatment options and recommendations for reducing your exposure to asthma triggers in the workplace. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at www.aaaai.org.

The AAAAI represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,500 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information and a physician referral directory through its Web site at www.aaaai.org.

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