The American Thoracic Society in 2004 reported that 15-23% of new asthma cases in adults were work related. Those who work in various manufacturing and service industries have more of a tendency to develop occupational asthma. It is triggered in any line of work: hospitals, stores, offices, or medical facilities, as long as there are products that can catalyze occupational asthma through inhalation.
This type of respiratory disease is most prevalent in the following industries and jobs: plastic, chemical, rubber, textile, and electronics industry; printing, painting, dyeing, welding, metalworking, cleaning, oil refining, farming, baking and food processing, gardening, landscaping, horticulture, any jobs associated with animals, and laboratory work. Some professions are less affected such as technical, sales and administrative support jobs.
Things that trigger asthma include animal proteins, flour, reactive chemicals, natural rubber latex, and enzymes. Other triggers may include anything such as smoke, chemicals, vapors and gases, animal dander, pollen, fumes, dust, or other airborne particles, allergens, variations of extreme temperatures or humidity, any type of stress. When catalysts are recognized simple mitigation can reduce the risk of the disease.
Another type of causal agent is called a colophony fume, which is most commonly noted within the electronics industry. It arises from pine resin and it contains abietic acid along with other resin acids that are used as fluxes in soldering. Any airborne exposure to respiratory agents carries a degree of risk for triggering asthma.
There are two types of occupational asthma attacks that may occur: aggravation of preexisting asthma or irritant asthma. The most common type is the aggravation of preexisting asthma; a person becomes hypersensitive to the trigger if exposed regularly over time. Irritant asthma is when a person is exposed to a certain type of substance or condition in their work place that irritates the airways. This type of asthma is not developed over a duration or period of time, though it develops through high exposure or concentration of irritants.
The symptoms are abrupt and immediate, and irritation may result in allergy like or asthma like symptoms. The symptoms differ from standard asthma, and are often referred to as Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome. Once an attack begins, the airways will begin to swell and tighten, making it difficult to breathe (bronchospasm).
All reasonable measures should be implemented in containment of potential triggers and proper ventilation. Speaking with a health care provider can give you more information on the disease. Be sure to follow the treatment recommendations of your doctor, and report any difficulties or problems with the medication.
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