Occupational Asthma Defined

Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling fumes, gases, dust or other potentially harmful substances while "on the job." 

Irritants in high doses that induce occupational asthma include hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide or ammonia, which is found in the petroleum or chemical industries.

If you are exposed to any of these substances at high concentrations, you may begin wheezing and experiencing other asthma symptoms immediately after exposure. 

Often, asthma symptoms are worse during days or nights you work, improve when you have time off and start again when you go back to work. 

You may have been healthy and this is the first time you've had asthma symptoms, or you may have had asthma as a child and it has returned. If you already have asthma, it may be worsened by being exposed to certain substances at work. Workers who already have asthma or some other respiratory disorder may also experience an increase in their symptoms during exposure to these irritants. The medical term for pre-existing asthma worsened by workplace conditions is “work-exacerbated asthma.”

People with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop occupational asthma, particularly to some substances such as flour, animals and latex. Allergies play a role in many cases of occupational asthma. This type of asthma generally develops only after months or years of exposure to a work-related substance. 

Learn more about occupational asthma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and management.

If you think you may have occupational asthma, or if your asthma is not under control, an allergist / immunologist, often referred to as an allergist, can help. An allergist has advanced training and experience to determine what is causing your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better and live better.

The AAAAI's Find an Allergist / Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.