Occupational Asthma

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder that is caused by agents, such as wood, dust, animal dander, and chemicals, in the workplace. Occupational asthma is the most prevalent occupational lung disease, with over 250 agents associated with it.

Symptoms of Occupational Asthma

Symptoms of occupational asthma are due to spasms of the muscles that line the airways. The spasms cause the airways to narrow excessively. Signs and symptoms of occupational asthma are the same as those associated with the common form of asthma.

The following is a list of symptoms of occupational asthma:

Difficulty breathing

Wheezing

Prolonged exhalation

Cough

Types of Occupational Asthma

Asthma caused by acute irritants in occupational settings

Asthma caused by exposure to sensitizers

Pre-existing asthma exacerbated by occupational exposures

Diagnostic Testing for Occupational Asthma

Pulmonary function tests

Peak expiratory flow rate before and after work

Chest x-ray

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Bronchial provocation test

Blood tests to identify specific antibodies

Read more about occupational asthma >>

Is your asthma caused by your workplace? Take the Occupational Lung Diseases Screening Quiz.

Source: A.D.A.M.
Updated: 01/17/06