Allergic Occupational Asthma

A discussion of Occupational Asthma has appeared in several periodicals lately. A LA Times article by Janet Stobart summarizes a study published in the medical journal Thorax which shows Occupational Asthma  is causing substantial financial losses to the British government and health agencies.

Neil Churchill, head of Asthma UK, told the Daily Telegraph, "Occupational asthma is the most frequently reported work-related respiratory disease in the UK … Over a quarter of people with asthma have missed days off work as a result of their symptoms and 32% of people with asthma tell us that their employer is not doing enough to protect them from asthma at work."

From the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (aafa.org) Some 200 substances—gases, vapors, and organic and inorganic dusts—found in manufacturing workplaces and among certain occupations have been identified as causes of asthma. It's estimated that some 11 million US workers are exposed to at least one of these substances.People who get occupational asthma are those who either:

• Become sensitized to an allergen in the workplace and on subsequent exposure have an allergic reaction to the allergen or,

• Are already asthmatic and have very sensitive airways that react to irritants in the workplace.

Occupational asthma also varies considerably among industries. For example, up to 30 percent of bakers exposed to flour dust get asthma. A disproportionate number of people develop asthma who work in the manufacture of detergents, in the logging or furniture industries or in handling animals.What Are Symptoms of Occupational Asthma?Physical symptoms include coughing, wheezing, breathing problems and chest tightness. The skin, eyes and nose may become inflamed. Three basic patterns of asthmatic response can be seen:

• A prompt response of trouble breathing and wheezing within minutes of exposure to the allergen. The condition is worse in 10 to 30 minutes and clears up in 1 to 2 hours. Symptoms often go away soon after the worker leaves the workplace and do not recur on weekends.

• A delayed or late onset reaction, which often begins 1 to 6 hours after exposure and peaks in 3 to 8 hours. Sometimes it lasts 2 to 36 hours and can recur nightly after a single exposure. It may take days or weeks to resolve.

• A dual response, both prompt and late onset. Symptoms begin within minutes of exposure and return to normal in 1 to 2 hours. Symptoms flare up again in the evening or after bedtime and continue in some patients for up to 12 hours.

• Spill of an agent can cause high-level exposure that triggers a reaction quickly.

For more on Allergic/Occupational Asthma continue reading  hereIf you are exhibiting symptoms or have questions about the treatment of Allergic/Occupational Asthma,  contact your allergist.Live in the NYC area? I invite you to call me at 866-632-5537 for an appointment to discuss treatment options to better control an asthmatic condition.