Occupational asthma

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Respiratory system

Spirometry

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder characterized by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, prolonged exhalation, and cough. It is caused by various agents found in the work place (see also bronchial asthma). These symptoms are usually due to spasms of the muscles lining the airways, which cause them to narrow excessively.

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

There are many agents in the workplace that can cause occupational asthma. Most commonly, these include protein molecules (wood dust, grain dust, animal dander, fungi) or other chemicals (especially di-isocyanates).

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:

• Plastics workers
• Metal workers
• Bakers
• Millers
• Farmers
• Grain elevator workers
• Laboratory workers
• Woodworkers
• Drug manufacturers
• Detergent manufacturers

Review Date: 02/09/2006
Reviewed By: Frederic F. Little, M.D., Department of Allergy and Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.