Respiratory Diseases
Occupational Asthma
Asthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness. About 1 in 12 adults are treated in the UK for asthma each year. Asthma can start at any age.
Generally, occupational asthma is caused by exposure to the inhalation of a substance which causes sensitization on first exposure and then acute symptoms on subsequent exposures, but symptoms of occupational asthma are usually relieved when taken away from the working environment. Therefore, an improvement will usually be seen at the weekend.
Most people with asthma who take the appropriate treatment can live normal lives. But left untreated, asthma can cause permanent damage to the airways. Very rarely, a severe asthma attack can be fatal.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition where the airways become irritated and inflamed.
As a result, they:
- become narrower
- produce extra mucus
This makes it more difficult for air to flow into and out of the lungs and causes the symptoms of asthma.
Asthma symptoms
Asthma symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe. They may include:
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
- tightness in your chest
These symptoms tend to be variable and may stop and start. They are usually worse at night.
Likely Causes In the Workplace
The most common sentising agents that can cause occupational asthma are di-isocyanates used in paint sprays, foam and plastics manufacture and adhesives, hardening agents, soldering flux, antibiotics, dust, flour, animals and insects, acid anhydrites, planinum, chromium and nickel, and welding fumes.
There are many other agents, and the above list is, by no means, exhaustive.
Diagnosis
If you think you have occupational asthma, consult your GP. He or she will ask you about your symptoms and if you have noticed any factors that trigger the symptoms. Your GP will also do a physical examination.
Your doctor may do one or more of the tests listed below.
- a device called a peak flow meter can help your doctor to diagnose asthma. A peak flow meter measures how much, and how fast, air can be expelled from your lungs. This device can also be used to monitor whether a treatment works for you.
- a spirometry test can also measure how well your lungs are functioning but provides more detailed information than a peak flow meter.
- less commonly, other tests such as chest X-rays are done to make sure you do not have any other breathing problems. For example, a disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has similar symptoms to asthma.
- an allergy skin test may be done to find out whether you are allergic to certain substances.
Treatment
You may be given inhalers to assist you, but the primary consideration will be to identify the sensitising agent that causes the symptoms of occupational asthma. This may result in you being transferred to another office or section within the workplace. You will need to discuss this with your employer, if, indeed you are diagnosed with occupational asthma.
Inhalers
These devices (sometimes called ‘puffers’) contain a gas that will propel the correct dose of medication when the top is pressed down. This is inhaled into your airways. You will need to use your inhaler correctly in order for it to work properly, so ask your doctor for advice.
There are two basic categories of inhaler medicines that are used for asthma:
- relievers - which treat your symptoms.
- preventers - which can prevent your symptoms.
Relievers are to be used when your asthma symptoms occur. They can be short-acting or long-acting
