Occupational asthma, a form of asthma, is a lung disease in which the airways overreact to dusts, vapors, gases, or fumes that exist in the workplace. In short, it means that symptoms are caused or aggravated by the workplace environment. Unlike other forms of asthma, occupational asthma is preventable and possibly curable if diagnosed early. About 15% of "disabling" cases of asthma are related to the workplace. 

Who is prone to Occupational asthma? 

It has been observed that people who get occupational asthma are those who either:

• Become sensitized to an allergen in the workplace and on subsequent exposure have an allergic reaction to the allergen or,

• Are already asthmatic and have very sensitive airways that react to irritants in the workplace.

• Those with a personal or family history of allergies or asthma and frequent exposure to highly sensitizing substances.

What causes Occupational asthma? 

A wide range of animal- and plant-derived proteins, insect and plant dusts; chemicals, pharmaceutical agents and bacterial enzymes are believed to cause occupational asthma. They are deposited in the lung in various ways, depending on their size and shape and start being irritants. After a period of exposure (scientists are not sure about the time period) even very low levels of the substance can provoke an asthmatic reaction.

What are the potential sources of Occupational asthma? 

Some sources of occupational asthma include:

• The manufacturing of chemicals or pharmaceuticals

• Printing/paper: inks, dyes, cotton fibers

• Unforgettable outdoor wall lighting this stuff either usefull Baking: flours

• Woodworking: paints, solvents, wood dust, machinery fumes 

• Animal handling: vets, researchers 

• Hospital workers: using latex gloves. 

• Cleaning company workers: both industrial and private homes 

• Hairdressers: hair chemicals & dyes 

• Gardening/landscaping: soil and airborne insect particles, molds, wood chip dust 

What are the symptoms? 

The symptoms of occupational asthma include:

• Wheezing 

• A tight feeling in the chest 

• Coughing 

• Shortness of breath

Additional signs to watch out for: 

• Itching, burning, watery eyes 

• Congestion

• Runny nose 

• Scratchy throat

• Nausea 

• Headache

• Fatigue 

Any or all of these symptoms may develop several hours after the person leaves work, and then subside before the worker returns to the job the next day.

In the early stages of the disease, symptoms usually decrease or disappear during weekends or vacations, only to recur upon return to work. In later stages of the disease, symptoms may occur away from work after exposure to common lung irritants.

Once the airways have a pattern of overreacting, many common substances such as cigarette smoke, house dust, or cold air may produce asthma-like symptoms.

How can it be treated? 

The best treatment is to avoid the substances that are prone to start off these attacks. In some circumstances, where exposure is unavoidable or intermittent, drug treatment may be recommended.

In advanced cases of occupational asthma with complications resulting in severely damaged airways, combined medical treatment including drugs, physical therapy, and breathing aids may be needed.

All persons specially persons with occupational asthma should avoid exposure to gases such as sulfur dioxide, chlorine, or nitrogen dioxide. Breathing these irritating gases can make asthma symptoms worse.

Can Occupational asthma be prevented? 

Occupational asthma can be prevented by taking steps to:

• Eliminate or at least reducing some of the offending substances

• Make the exposure time limited

• Redesign processes that produce large particles that cannot be inhaled.

• Have periodic medical surveillance to allow early identification of affected workers before they have any permanent lung damage.