Occupational asthma

Alternative Names

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

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.

In general, symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Tight feeling in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Exams and Tests

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)
• Chest x-ray
• Complete blood count
• Peak expiratory flow rate
• Pulmonary function tests