Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that occurs in the workplace. Occupational asthma is similar to allergic asthma in that the asthma symptoms are a reaction to a trigger or allergen. The difference is that the triggers that cause occupational asthma are associated with the workplace or job of the individual.

People who have occupational asthma experience asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest while they are at work. Occupational asthma is not likely to cause asthma symptoms when the person is away from the workplace. If someone is working with potential allergens like chemicals or animals, the person may carry some of the allergens on their clothing. In some cases, these allergens are brought into the home on the person’s clothing and may trigger asthma in a family member.

Often, people are aware of the potential for these symptoms if they work with caustic chemicals, but they may not be so knowledgeable about the potential for other substances to act as allergens. Some jobs put the workers at higher risk for occupational asthma. Janitors, hairdressers, and textile workers are at high risk. People who work around animals, paints, sawdust, metals, latex, cereal grains, seafood, medications, and other chemicals are at high risk for occupational asthma.

In addition to the usual asthma symptoms of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, the person may have eye irritation or allergy symptoms. Occupational asthma may be reversed if it is recognized as occupational asthma and treated early. Ignoring the symptoms can be potentially dangerous since asthma symptoms can worsen and cause an asthma attack which can be life-threatening.

If possible, the person should avoid further exposure to the allergen that is causing the symptoms. If it is not possible for someone with occupational asthma to avoid the substances, the person may want to consider changing jobs. Such a change should only be done after careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks. Instead of changing jobs, the person may be able to wear protective gear like a facemask to reduce the inhalation of the allergen.

A physician may prescribe asthma medicines for asthma treatment. A long-acting asthma medication is taken daily to prevent asthma symptoms. The physician may also prescribe a rescue inhaler to be used when the person is experiencing symptoms as part of the individual’s asthma treatment. The person with occupational asthma should not feel frustrated if the first medication prescribed does not thoroughly control the asthma symptoms. Several medications may need to be tried to devise an effective asthma treatment plan.