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Occupational asthma - Treatment

Alternative Names

Asthma - occupational exposure; Irritant-induced reactive airways disease

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to limit exposure to the asthma-causing substance and improve symptoms.

Treatment may include:

Avoiding source of exposure
Bronchodilators (inhalers or nebulizers)

Other therapies for asthma may be added in more severe cases.

In some instances, symptoms may persist despite removal of the source of exposure.

Support Groups:

See: Asthma and allergy - support group

Expectations (prognosis):

In general, the outcome for people with asthma is good. However, symptoms may persist for years after workplace exposure has been eliminated.

Complications:

Respiratory fatigue
Side effects of asthma medications

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of asthma.

Spirometry

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 10/15/2007
Donald Accetta, MD, MPH, President, Allergy & Asthma Care, PC, Taunton, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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