These allergy symptoms may be present for months or years before shortness of breath and other breathing symptoms develop. For some people, wheezing at night is the only symptom. [merckmanuals.com]

It is not enough for sensitisers just to be present but there also should be potential for exposure. Exposure assessments will involve examining work practices but also objective measurements in air, which are compared to the OEL's. [hsa.ie]

In contrast, IrIA or RADS has a characteristically distinct presentation. The exposure is typically acute, singular, and extreme, often involving some type of accident or chemical spill. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]

The format for presenting symptom results varied among the studies. [cochranelibrary.com]

Information and training should cover: which substances may present an occupational asthma risk; asthma symptoms and the likelihood that asthma (once developed) may be permanent; procedures for reporting symptoms and the need to report symptoms promptly [commerce.wa.gov.au]

• Fatigue

  When exposed to certain triggers, such as low humidity, fatigue, emotional stress and inhaled allergens, or changes in airway temperature from cold dry air, the airways contract or tighten and become swollen. [marshfieldclinic.org]

  Common symptoms include: shortness of breath chest tightness wheezing coughing, especially during exercise, laughing, and at night fatigue anxiousness trouble talking Less common symptoms that should prompt immediate medical attention include: rapid breathing [healthline.com]

Otherwise, treatment for occupational asthma generally includes taking medications to reduce symptoms. If you already have asthma, sometimes treatment can help it from becoming worse in the workplace. [mayoclinic.org]

Treatment involves avoiding the trigger and, when that is not possible, using drugs to open the airways and reduce inflammation. Several other airway disorders are caused by inhaling irritating substances in the workplace. [merckmanuals.com]

With treatment, many people live productive lives with occupational asthma. The most challenging part of work-related asthma can be reducing your exposure to irritants. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

Removal from exposure compared to reduction of exposure for treatment of occupational asthma Table 1. [cochranelibrary.com]

However, pharmacologic treatment is not effective in preventing deterioration of lung function in sensitizer-induced OA when subjects remain exposed to the causal agent. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]

Outlook / Prognosis What is the outlook for someone with occupational asthma? With treatment, many people live productive lives with occupational asthma. The most challenging part of work-related asthma can be reducing your exposure to irritants. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

Although there are still many controversies regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology, prognosis, and appropriate compensation for patients with OA, prompt recognition, diagnosis, and removal from the work environment are necessary to ensure the best possible [clevelandclinicmeded.com]

When asthma occurs as a result of exposure to airborne substances in workplaces, it can be divided into two categories: The term 'occupational asthma' should be confined to the hypersensitivity syndrome, which has a very different course and prognosis [commerce.wa.gov.au]

While polyvinyl chloride (PVC) appeared to be the causal agent in this case, the possible role of other etiological agents is also discussed. [archbronconeumol.org]

Another type of irritant‐induced occupational asthma might be caused by chronic low‐ to moderate‐level irritant exposures, but additional research is needed to clarify this etiology (Dumas 2016). [cochranelibrary.com]

A thorough history can elucidate the work relation and etiology. [aafp.org]

Analysis performed by the American Lung Association Epidemiology and Statistics Unit using SPSS software. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. Occupational Asthma. [lung.org]

Back to Top Pathophysiology Like childhood asthma, OA is the result of interactions between multiple environmental and genetic factors. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]

The primary underlying pathophysiologic process in all forms of asthma is airway inflammation, and the first line of treatment should be anti-inflammatory medication. [aafp.org]

Top tasks All other tasks What you need to know Contact Information Related Services Asthma Prevention and Control Asthma and Your Environment Image credits: Shutterstock [mass.gov]

Prevention The best way to prevent occupational asthma is to control exposure to chemicals and other substances that that workers may be sensitive to or that are irritating. [mayoclinic.org]

They can help you determine the cause and find ways to help you prevent it. Your provider can suggest how to discuss a diagnosis with your employer. They will offer ways to prevent further exposure and damage from occupational asthma. [my.clevelandclinic.org]

It is deemed to be secondary prevention, (by detecting adverse effects early rather than total prevention) and not as effective as the primary prevention measures outlined above. [hsa.ie]

However, pharmacologic treatment is not effective in preventing deterioration of lung function in sensitizer-induced OA when subjects remain exposed to the causal agent. [clevelandclinicmeded.com]