Occupational Asthma Explained
Many individuals worldwide endure the disheartening condition of occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is one of many different types of asthma. The lungs of the individual who suffers from occupational asthma usually display sensitivity to various irritants in the place where they work. Here, we will review occupational asthma. You will learn the types of irritants that cause this form of asthma, the symptoms that are associated with it, as well as the treatments that are used to relieve the symptoms of occupational asthma.
There are many types of irritants that can lead to the onset of this form of asthma. With occupational asthma, the triggers for an asthma attack are induced by the things that a person is exposed to in the workplace. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Gases
- Vapors
- Various types of dusts
- Fumes
- Pollens (in nursery work)
- Pest control
When an individual is exposed to the irritants that lead to occupational asthma, many responses occur in the body. Once inhaled, the culprits will cause the airways to react in an abnormal manner. Inflammation is often the first symptom associated with an asthma attack of this nature. Once this occurs, the muscles that are associated with the airway will begin to tighten drastically. This tightening of the muscles in the airway results in a rapid production of thick mucus. All of these symptoms combined result in a difficulty in breathing.
There are numerous symptoms associated with occupational asthma. Many will observe that these symptoms are similar to basic asthma. The only difference is that these symptoms become evident when the individual is exposed to the workplace irritants that initially caused the onset of occupational asthma. The symptoms are:
- Mild to severe wheezing
- Coughing that may occur on occasion or consistently
- A general shortness in breath and/or difficulty breathing
- A tight and/or heavy feeling in the chest
- Feelings of anxiety and/or panic from lack of breathe
Occupational asthma is not considered to be a common issue. As a matter of fact, only a small number of individuals on a global basis develop this particular asthmatic condition. Normally, it is present in individuals who already have allergies and similar sensitivities. Many individuals who develop occupational asthma simply have a family history of allergies and/or asthmatic conditions. Not all people who experience this lung disease have previous experience and/or associations with this particular type of condition or similar conditions.
There are a number of causes of occupational asthma. More and more products and substances that are present in the workplace are being identified as ultimate causes for this form of asthma. Many people who work in the manufacturing of various substances are prone to acquiring this lung disease. This includes those that manufacture furniture, paints, beds, and similar products. Individuals who work closely with animals in their careers are also prone to occupational asthma. This includes those that work in zoos, kennels, and offices for veterinarians.
Many individuals who work in pest control and termite services may develop occupational asthma. This is because they work closely with chemical pesticides. In addition to this, exposure to insects, such as cockroaches may result in the development of asthmatic symptoms. These individuals can often prevent the onset of occupational asthma by wearing protective face masks and gloves. However, by the time that occupational asthma becomes a concern, it may already be too late to prevent the development of the condition.
Individuals that work in industries where exposure to dust, chemicals, and substances are used such as cotton processing, organic dusts are used, and similar items may be susceptible to the development of occupational asthma. Many individuals who work in these types of industries will wear protective clothing, face masks, and similar items in order to reduce the effects of these types of agents. Many businesses have developed a number of work tactics in order to reduce the development of occupational asthma, chemical pneumonia, and similar breathing conditions.
Many individuals who develop occupational asthma are treated in a number of ways. The first attempt to treat this condition often rests in removing oneself from the irritants that result in the condition. In addition to this, there are many drug treatment therapies that an individual can take part in to alleviate the symptoms of occupational asthma. These include anti-inflammatory medications and various types of inhalers. Many times, the symptoms of occupational asthma will come and go depending on the exposure level of the individual.
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