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Occupational asthma - Overview

Alternative Names

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

Definition of Occupational asthma:

Occupational asthma is a lung disorder in which various substances found in the workplace lead to breathing difficulties.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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 asthma cases 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

Spirometry

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 5/21/2009
Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Dykewicz MS. Occupational asthma: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009;123:519-528.

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