Asthma is a respiratory disease which creates inflammation of the air passage, resulting in difficulty in breathing, tightness of the chest, coughing and wheezing. When you are in constant contact with a lung irritant at the workplace, you could be susceptible to work-related asthma.

Occupational Asthma

This is a type of work-related asthma caused by specific agents which cause irritation to the lungs. This is a minor case of Asthma, which has two categories:

• Sensitizer-induced Asthma
• Irritant-induced Asthma

How Does Occupational Asthma Develop?

• Sensitizer-induced Asthma: When you are in constant contact with a harmful substance, the body gets sensitized. This kind of asthma is not immediately activated, it is a process that runs for a period of time and involves the body’s immunity. Complex defence systems protects the body from harmful substances.
• Irritant-induced Asthma: This disorder is caused by the direct irritating effect of the foreign substances on the air passage. This is also known as Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS). A single exposure of irritating agents causes it. It takes 24 hours to develop the symptoms.

How Can You Prevent And Cure Occupational Asthma?

Prevention is better than cure. Avoid exposures to the lung irritants. Symptoms and cure of your asthma will depend on where you work and what work you do. If you think your asthma is increasing at your workplace, move to a different location at work where there is less exposure to the substance. Visit your doctor for appropriate measures to alleviate the condition.

Occupational asthma can worsen, especially if you continue to be exposed to the harmful substances. It can reappear in a few months or years. Use respiratory devices to protect or reduce the exposure of such harmful substances.