Definition:
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by specific working conditions that results in a limited airflow to the lungs or excessive response of the airway.
Diagnosis:
Physicians diagnose patients by charting their occupational and clinical history over a period of time, during which symptoms are charted. After charting the patient's history, the patient undergoes certain diagnostic tests such as spirometric tests, peak expiratory flow at work, or Specific Inhalation Challenges. Skin prick tests may also be done to determine allergen reactions.
Treatment:
Workers, company management, union, and medical professionals need to be educated in order to prevent and identify the risk factors of occupational asthma. Exposure of workers from the causative agent is reduced, or they may be totally removed from exposure and undergo medical treatment. Patients recover from the disease depending on the severity of their case.
Symptoms and Signs:
Patients experience persistent coughing, wheezing, nasal irritation, breathing difficulty, and tightness of chest. Sometimes these symptoms may have only been aggravated by irritants in the workplace if a patient already has asthma.
Causes:
Occupational asthma is caused by irritants in the workplace. Depending on the industry in which the individual works, such irritants may be wood dust, persulfates, zinc, or seafood.
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