Many substances in the workplace can cause occupational asthma. The most common triggers are wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi, or other chemicals (especially diisocyanates).
Though the actual rate of occurrence of occupational asthma is unknown, it is suspected to cause 2-20% of all cases of asthma in industrialized nations.
The following workers are at higher risk:
Bakers
Detergent manufacturers
Drug manufacturers
Farmers
Grain elevator workers
Laboratory workers
Metal workers
Millers
Plastics workers
Woodworkers
Symptoms:
Symptoms are usually due to airways inflammation and spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause the muscles to narrow excessively.
They usually occur shortly after being exposed to the offending substance and often improve or disappear when you leave work. Some people may not have symptoms until 12 or more hours after exposure to the allergen.
Symptoms usually get worse toward the end of the work week and may (but not always) go away on weekends or vacations.
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history. There may be a pattern of worsening symptoms associated with a specific workplace environment or substance.
Wheezing may be heard when listening to the chest with a stethoscope.
The following tests may be used to diagnose this condition:
Blood tests to detect specific antibodies to suspected offending substances
Bronchial provocation test (test measuring reaction to the suspected allergen )
