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Article Contents

Introduction, early diagnosis, patient education and medical surveillance program, research needs, conclusions, acknowledgements, conflict of interest, data availability.

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Occupational Asthma: The Knowledge Needs for a Better Management

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Francesca Rui, Marina Ruxandra Otelea, Anne Kristin Møller Fell, Sasho Stoleski, Dragan Mijakoski, Mathias Holm, Vivi Schlünssen, Francesca Larese Filon, Occupational Asthma: The Knowledge Needs for a Better Management, Annals of Work Exposures and Health , Volume 66, Issue 3, April 2022, Pages 287–290, https://doi.org/10.1093/annweh/wxab113

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The management of occupational asthma (OA) may be influenced by several factors and removal from exposure is the main tertiary prevention approach, but it is not always feasible without personal and socioeconomic consequences. Reducing the delay between the onset of suggestive symptoms of OA and the diagnosis of OA is associated with a better prognosis. Workers’ education to increase awareness to trigger agents and a medical surveillance program directed especially at at-risk workers could be helpful in reducing this latency time. An early identification of workers who develop rhinitis and conjunctivitis which often precede the onset of asthma symptoms could be important for an early identification of OA. This is particularly important for cases of asthma caused by high-molecular-weight sensitizers and in the early years of employment. The availability of financial support and compensation measures for workers with OA may influence the latency time before diagnosis and, consequently, may influence the OA outcomes. In conclusion, there is a need for high-quality cohort studies that will increase knowledge about risk factor that may influence the timing of diagnosis of OA. This knowledge will be useful for implementation of future surveillance and screening programs in workplaces.

Occupational asthma (OA) is defined as asthma induced by sensitizer or irritant work exposures ( Tarlo et al. , 2008 ) and the costs related to OA patients are greater than those related to non-work-related asthma (WRA) ( Lemière et al. , 2013 ). The complete avoidance of exposure is the first measure to be taken, but sometimes may not lead to a complete recovery from asthma ( Baur et al. , 2012 ). It can be at the expense of adverse socioeconomic consequences ( Vandenplas et al. , 2003 ), and it is not always feasible. Alternative possible measures are reduced exposure to causal agents, education of workers and employers and improvement of the personal protection of asthmatic workers ( Lau and Tarlo, 2019 ).

A recent Cochrane systematic review ( Henneberger et al. , 2019 ) on the effectiveness of workplace interventions for the treatment of OA has shown good evidence of improvement of respiratory symptoms and lung function, comparing removal from exposure versus continued exposure among patients exposed to low-molecular-weight (LMW) agents, whereas the findings are less clear for high-molecular-weight (HMW) agents. The findings are based on observational studies only, as no randomized controlled trial was identified. All studies were rated as ‘very low certainty of evidence’ according to the GRADE Working Group grades of evidence. Based on these evaluations, there is a need for data from good quality studies, especially additional cohort studies that provide incident data on outcome(s) and objective measures of exposure, objective diagnostic assessments, and standardized methods for evaluation of follow-up of symptoms and clinical course in prognostic terms. Prospective enrollment of newly diagnosed OA for longitudinal follow-up has been suggested, following all participants at predefined intervals since diagnosis including more details about socioeconomic impact ( Henneberger et al. , 2019 ).

An accurate and early diagnosis is the first step to manage OA ( Lau and Tarlo, 2019 ; Cullinan et al. , 2020 ). The best prognosis is associated with an early diagnosis, early removal from exposure and milder asthma at the time of diagnosis ( Maestrelli et al. , 2012 ). Diagnostic testing while the patients are still at the workplace significantly improves sensitivity of the diagnosis of OA. It is important that the diagnostic investigations (e.g. the non-specific airway responsiveness tests) begin when patients are still exposed to the suspected causal agent(s). When the patient is still working, the sensitivity of non-specific airways responsiveness test reaches 95% and a negative predictive value of 98% ( Pralong et al. , 2016 ). Early recognition of suggestive symptoms and early diagnosis of OA are needed for timely and appropriate preventive measures ( Baur et al. , 2012 ). The diagnostic procedures include a detailed clinical history, immunological tests, measurement of lung function, and markers of airway inflammation, as well as various methods that relate clinical, functional, and inflammatory changes to workplace exposure(s) ( Cullinan et al. , 2020 ).

A reduced delay between the symptoms onset and diagnosis of OA can influence the subsequent course of the disease. Patients with the shortest durations of employment had the highest rate of recovery ( Rachiotis et al. , 2007 ) and an early detection of OA and care in specialist centers are associated with a more favorable prognosis ( Feary et al. , 2020 ). Asthma from LMW agents nearly always has an onset within the first 2 or 3 years of exposure ( Lau and Tarlo, 2019 ), while asthma for HMW agents is recognized with a longer interval between the beginning of exposure the onset of symptoms in the workplace, and the diagnosis of OA ( Miedinger et al. , 2010 ; Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ). The median delay for OA is 4 years, while work exacerbated asthma (i.e. preexisting or concurrent asthma worsened by work factors) ( Tarlo et al. , 2008 ) often requires fewer years to be diagnosed ( Fishwick et al. , 2007 ; Santos et al. , 2007 ). If the patient continues to be exposed, the symptoms aggravate, and the pharmacological control becomes less efficient.

Focusing on improving awareness and knowledge of WRA (OA and work exacerbated/aggravated asthma) through patient education as well as worker information on the characteristics of WRA seems to lead to better case management ( MacKinnon et al. , 2020 ). Furthermore, a medical screening strategy and surveillance program should be applied to at-risk workers ( Baur et al. , 2012 ). Some researchers suggest medical surveillance programs for OA with a respiratory questionnaire, spirometry, and specific immunologic tests before initiating work and thereafter, consecutive assessments every 6–12 months ( Lau and Tarlo, 2019 ) in order to identify any symptoms at an early stage and provide an early diagnosis of OA.

(1) Cohort studies on asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis

More cohort studies are needed in order to evaluate the incidence of OA, but also of WRA and other respiratory symptoms. The majority of patients with a diagnosis of OA also suffer from occupational rhinitis that often precedes the development of OA ( Moscato et al. , 2008 ). Wheezing, nasal and ocular itching at work can be positively associated with the presence of OA and early asthmatic reactions, especially for HMW agents ( Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ). Therefore, identifying individuals who develop rhinitis and conjunctivitis could be useful in identifying those who will develop WRA symptoms. Identification of subjects with rhinitis or conjunctivitis ( Maestrelli et al. , 2020 ) among workers exposed to HMW agents could be important also to evaluate the onset of work-related respiratory symptoms over time and, if necessary, implement measures to reduce or eliminate exposure to the suggested causative agent. In addition, identification of pre-employment individual risk factors (e.g. atopy) and early identification of rhinitis symptoms may be relevant for medical surveillance of exposed workers and for minimizing the latency between the onset of respiratory symptoms and the diagnosis of OA ( Moscato, 2013 ).

(2) Studies of OA phenotypes

HMW and LMW asthma have different phenotypic characteristics that may influence the outcome of OA ( Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ). However, few studies have assessed these or other possible OA phenotypes. Asthma caused by HMW sensitizers is associated with worse outcome ( Rachiotis et al. , 2007 ; Maestrelli et al. , 2012 ) in terms of persistence of bronchial responsiveness. In some studies, patients whose disease was attributed to HMW agents appeared to be related to a higher risk of airflow limitation ( Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ), whereas others found that LMW agents are associated with more severe manifestations ( Meca et al. , 2016 ). The differences are, at least partly, due to the definition of the outcome: persistence of non-specific bronchial responsiveness ( Rachiotis et al. , 2007 ), number of exacerbations ( Meca et al. , 2016 ; Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ), or airflow limitation ( Vandenplas et al. , 2019 ). These are different indicators of the severity of the disease and have specific medium- and long-term impact on the patients quality of life. There is a need to expand the number of studies related to HMW asthma as reported by the Cochrane research ( Henneberger et al. , 2019 ). Furthermore, additional information is needed regarding the best education methods to increase patients’ awareness about inducers and triggers ( Walters et al. , 2015 ) for these two types of OA. It has been shown that referral to an occupational health service may also improve the OA outcomes ( Feary et al. , 2020 ).

(3) Therapy and compensation measures for workers

Related to the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment of OA ( Vandenplas et al. , 2012 ; Tarlo and Lemiere, 2014 ; Cormier and Lemière, 2020 ; Tiotiu et al. , 2020 ), information regarding the need for pharmacological treatment to achieve asthma control and, eventually, specific immunotherapy or other therapeutic options to modify the natural history of the disease is useful when assessing OA patients. The diagnosis and evolution of OA may affect worker’s career, income and, sometimes, can lead to unemployment ( Feary et al. , 2020 ). The fear of losing work and income may make workers reluctant to report respiratory symptoms in the workplace and may delay the OA diagnosis and treatment. Workers with older age, higher salary, and asthma caused by HMW seem to have an increased latency time between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis and, consequently, a longer exposure duration to the harmful agent ( Miedinger et al. , 2010 ). Adequate information about the availability of economic support and compensation measures for workers with OA may contribute to reducing the exposure time before the diagnosis of OA and, consequently, may influence the outcomes of OA ( Dewitte et al. , 1994 ; Miedinger et al. , 2010 ).

Future data from high-quality cohort studies will increase knowledge about risk factors for and management of OA and inform future surveillance and screening programs at workplaces with possible exposure to irritants as well as HMW and LMW agents ( Tan and Bernstein, 2014 ).

We acknowledge the COST ACTION 16216 OMEGANET Network on the Coordination and Harmonisation of European Occupational Cohorts. http://omeganetcohorts.eu/ .

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

No data were used in this study.

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Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Occupational Asthma

Sasho Stoleski 5
First Online: 24 June 2020

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Part of the book series: Current Topics in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ((CTEHPM))

Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common work-related lung disease, while occupational asthma (OA) is the most frequent occupational lung disease in developed countries in the last three decades. Due to specific occupational exposure, WRA is classified into OA and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). Furthermore, OA, according the pathogenic mechanisms involved in its development, is classified into allergic and nonallergic OA. Allergic OA can be caused by IgE-mediated and IgE-independent immunological mechanisms. This chapter reviews epidemiological and etiopathogenetic characteristics, current diagnostic approach, treatment, and preventive measures, as well as dilemmas associated with different types of OA.

Work-related asthma
Occupational asthma
Occupational exposure
Allergic occupational asthma
IgE-mediated allergic occupational asthma
IgE-independent occupational allergic asthma

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Stoleski, S. (2020). Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Occupational Asthma. In: Otsuki, T., Di Gioacchino, M., Petrarca, C. (eds) Allergy and Immunotoxicology in Occupational Health - The Next Step. Current Topics in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4735-5_7

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Diseases & Conditions
Occupational asthma

A spirometer measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can breathe out.

Diagnosing occupational asthma is similar to diagnosing other types of asthma. However, your healthcare professional also will try to identify whether a workplace substance is causing your symptoms and what substance is causing problems.

An asthma diagnosis needs to be confirmed with a test called a lung function test. This test shows how well your lungs work. An allergy skin prick test can show if you have allergic reactions to some allergy-causing substances. Blood tests, X-rays or other tests may be necessary to rule out a cause other than occupational asthma.

Testing your lung function

Lung function tests include:

Spirometry. During this 10- to 15-minute test, you take deep breaths and forcefully exhale into a hose connected to a machine called a spirometer. A spirometer measures how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can breathe out. This is the preferred test for diagnosing asthma.

You will repeat the test after inhaling asthma medicine that helps open airways. Improved lung function after using the medicine supports a diagnosis of asthma.

Peak flow measurement. You may be asked to carry a small hand-held device called a peak flow meter. This device measures how quickly you can force air out of your lungs. The slower you exhale, the worse your condition.

You'll likely be asked to use your peak flow meter at certain times during working and nonworking hours. If your breathing improves significantly when you're away from work, you may have occupational asthma.

Tests for causes of occupational asthma

You may need tests to see whether you have a reaction to specific substances. These include:

Allergy skin tests. During a skin test, small amounts of common allergy-causing substances are scratched into your skin. Then the area is observed for about 15 minutes. Swelling or a change in skin color indicates an allergy to the substance. These tests can show an allergy to animals, mold, dust mites, plants and latex. They can't be used to measure a reaction to chemicals.
Challenge test. You inhale a mist containing a small amount of a suspected chemical to see if it triggers a reaction. Your lung function will be tested before and after the test is given to see if the chemical affects your ability to breathe.
Chest X-ray. Occupational asthma is one kind of occupational lung disease. You might need a chest X-ray to diagnose other kinds of job-related breathing problems.

The goal of treatment is to prevent symptoms and stop an asthma attack in progress.

Avoiding the workplace substance that causes your symptoms is important. Once you become sensitive to a substance, tiny amounts may trigger asthma symptoms, even if you wear a mask or respirator.

You may need medicines for successful treatment. The same medicines are used to treat both occupational and nonoccupational asthma.

The right medicine for you depends on many things. These include your age, symptoms, asthma triggers and what seems to work best to keep your asthma under control.

Long-term control medicines

Inhaled corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation and have a relatively low risk of side effects.
Leukotriene modifiers. These medicines are alternatives to corticosteroids. Sometimes, they're taken with corticosteroids.
Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs). LABAs open the airways and reduce inflammation. For asthma, LABAs generally should only be taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid.
Combination inhalers. These medicines contain a LABA and a corticosteroid.

Quick-relief, short-term medications

Short-acting beta agonists. These medicines ease symptoms during an asthma attack.
Oral and intravenous corticosteroids. These relieve airway inflammation for severe asthma. These are taken by mouth or given as a shot. Over the long term, they cause serious side effects.

If you need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often than recommended, you may need to adjust your long-term control medicine.

Also, if allergies trigger or worsen your asthma, you may benefit from allergy treatments. These treatments include medicines taken by mouth or with a nasal spray. Antihistamines help block some immune system activity that causes allergy symptoms. Decongestants help relieve a stuffy nose.

Alternative medicine

Many people claim alternative remedies reduce asthma symptoms. But in most cases, more research is needed to see if they work and if they have possible side effects. Alternative remedies that need further study include:

Breathing techniques. These include structured breathing programs such as the Buteyko method, the Papworth method, lung-muscle training and yoga breathing exercises. While these techniques may help improve quality of life, they have not proved to improve asthma symptoms.
Acupuncture. This technique has roots in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves placing very thin needles at strategic points on the body. Acupuncture is safe and generally painless, but there is not enough evidence to show it treats asthma.

Preparing for your appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Or you may start by seeing a doctor who specializes in asthma, such as an allergist-immunologist or a pulmonologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance. You may need to stop taking antihistamines if you're likely to have an allergy skin test.
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that do not seem related to problems with breathing.
Note the timing of your asthma symptoms — for example, note if your symptoms are worse at work and get better when you're away from work.
Make a list of all possible workplace lung irritants and anything else that seems to trigger your symptoms. You may want to take a look at the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for your work area, if there is one. This sheet lists toxic substances and irritants used on your job site. Keep in mind, not all occupational asthma triggers are listed in the MSDS .
Write down key personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes and changes in your job or workplace.
Bring a list of all medicines, vitamins or supplements you take.
Bring a family member or friend along, if possible. Someone who accompanies you may remember information you missed or forgot.
Write down questions to ask your care healthcare professional.

For occupational asthma, some basic questions to ask include:

Is a workplace irritant a likely cause of my breathing problems or asthma attacks?
What are other possible causes for my symptoms or condition?
What tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?
Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
How do I treat occupational asthma? Do I have to quit my job?
What are the alternatives to the treatment you're suggesting?
I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
Are there restrictions that I need to follow?
Should I see a specialist?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

When did you first notice your symptoms?
If you already use asthma medicine, how often do you use a quick-relief inhaler?
Do you have breathing problems when you're away from work or only when you're on the job?
Have your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
Have you been diagnosed with allergies or asthma?
Are you exposed to fumes, gases, smoke, irritants, chemicals, or plant or animal substances at work? If so, how often and for how long?
Do you work in unusual environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold or dryness?
What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Do other members of your family have allergies or asthma?
Burks AW, et al. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 3, 2022.
Broaddus VC, et al., eds. Asthma in the workplace. In: Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 3, 2022.
Bernstein DI, et al. Occupational asthma: Definitions, epidemiology, causes, and risk factors. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
Work-related asthma. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asthma/default.html. Jan. 17, 2024.
Asthma. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/asthma. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
Occupational asthma. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/asthma/occupational-asthma. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
Lemière C, et al. Occupational asthma: Management, prognosis and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
Ferri FF. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2022. Elsevier; 2022. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 15, 2022.
Hazard communication standard: Safety data sheets. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. https://www.osha.gov/occupational-asthma/standards. Accessed Jan. 17, 2024.
Asthma and complimentary health approaches: What the science says. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/asthma-and-complementary-health-approaches-science#acupuncture. Accessed Jan. 8, 2024.
Li JTC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Feb. 21, 2022.

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Occupational asthma

If you've developed new asthma symptoms at work, it could be occupational asthma.

What is occupational asthma, what are the symptoms of occupational asthma, how is occupational asthma diagnosed, how is occupational asthma treated, which substances are high risk for occupational asthma, how can i avoid losing my job if i get occupational asthma, your employer’s responsibilities to you, compensation and benefits for occupational asthma, making a civil claim, need more support.

Find out more about occupational asthma, how it is diagnosed and treated, what allergens and irritants cause it, and where you can get support if you’re worried about losing your job.

Occupational asthma is caused by breathing in substances at work, like dust, chemicals, fumes and animal fur.

If you develop new asthma symptoms at work, or your childhood asthma comes back, you could have occupational asthma.

You may be at your workplace for a while before you notice symptoms. This is because it takes a while for your immune system to become sensitive to workplace triggers.

But once you’ve become sensitive to a substance at work, it can trigger asthma symptoms the next time you come in contact with it – even if it’s just in small amounts.

Symptoms to look out for are:

Tight chest
Shortness of breath
Conjunctivitis (itchy, red, inflamed eyes)
Rhinitis (where the inside of your nose is inflamed with symptoms like a blocked, runny or itchy nose).

As soon as you notice symptoms, see your GP.

Occupational asthma is confirmed or ruled out after a consultation with your GP. You will discuss your symptoms, when you get them, your work, and medical history. You may also need some tests.

Questions your GP may ask you

Before you go, think about your answers to these questions. It will help you and your GP work out if you have occupational asthma or not.

Did your asthma symptoms start as an adult?
Have your childhood asthma symptoms come back since you started working?
Do your symptoms get better on days you’re not at work or when you’re on holiday?
Do your symptoms get worse after work or disturb your sleep after a work day?
Do you have a history of allergies which could increase your risk of allergies at work?
Do you smoke, which increases your risk of being sensitive to work triggers?
Do you have rhinitis? Occupational rhinitis is an early warning sign for occupational asthma.

Tests to help confirm a diagnosis

If your GP thinks occupational asthma is a possibility, they may suggest tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Peak flow

Your GP may ask you to use a peak flow meter, and keep a peak flow diary, so they can look at your peak flow scores - both at work and at home. For this to be useful, you’ll need to do four readings a day, for about three weeks.

Blood tests or skin prick tests

These are to confirm any allergies. If your symptoms are triggered by irritants, rather than allergens, this won’t show up in an allergy test.

Challenge test

This is where you breathe in substances thought to be causing your symptoms, to see if any trigger your asthma symptoms. This is quite a difficult test, so it will only be done in specialist centres where you can be closely monitored.

If things are still not clear, or hard to prove exactly which substance at work is triggering your asthma, your GP may refer you to a specialist in occupational asthma.

The good news is that if you catch it soon enough, the symptoms of occupational asthma can sometimes go away completely, as long as:

it’s diagnosed quickly
the cause is identified
you stop being exposed to the trigger

For some people, symptoms stop straight away. For others, it can take a bit longer.

Even if your symptoms do go away, the substance that set them off will always be a trigger for you, so you’ll need to avoid it. This may mean avoiding similar workplaces.

If symptoms continue

Sometimes symptoms don’t go away completely or can go on for years, even after you’ve stopped being exposed to the trigger.

This is usually because your occupational asthma wasn’t spotted soon enough, or your symptoms were more severe.

See your GP or asthma nurse as soon as possible to get the advice and support you need to manage your asthma symptoms and lower your risk of symptoms and an asthma attack .

They may prescribe a preventer inhaler to deal with underlying inflammation and a reliever inhaler to control symptoms when they come on.

Find out more about managing your asthma well and inhalers and treatments for asthma .

Take action as soon as you notice symptoms at work

The longer you leave it, the more likely it is that you’ll develop long term asthma, even if you do remove yourself from the triggers or leave your job.

Workers at higher risk of developing occupational asthma include cooks, hairdressers, mechanics and healthcare workers.

Occupational asthma is more of a risk where there are high levels of allergens or irritants at work, such as:

Occupational allergens

Flour dust and additives
Latex used in healthcare settings
Animal fur, skin and saliva, as well as dust from animal enclosures
Grain and poultry dusts - the most common cause of occupational asthma among agricultural workers
Vapours and particles from surgical techniques in hospitals

Occupational irritants

Chemicals used in car spray paints, or bleach used in hairdressing salons
Wood dust produced when machining or sanding
Fumes, mists and vapours from electronic, engineering or metal work, from adhesives, and from chlorine in indoor pools.

Some people who develop occupational asthma need a change of job role where they work, or even to change jobs altogether.

It’s understandable to be worried about losing your job, or income, if your job role changes due to a diagnosis of occupational asthma.

But try not to let financial or employment fears hold you back from getting help with your symptoms, and confirming a diagnosis.

Talk to your employer, or your occupational health doctor or nurse if you have one, as soon as you notice symptoms. If you have a union representative, they may be able to support you.

There may be things you can do to prevent you losing your job altogether. For example:

moving you to a different role so you’re not exposed to problem triggers
replacing any products or substances triggering your asthma with safe alternatives
providing you with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as masks, so you can avoid inhaling the irritating substances or vapours.

Under the Health Safety at Work Act 1974 employers must minimise any exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace.

If your work involves you having contact with allergens or irritants:

risks should be explained to you before you start work
you should have a health check, including a breathing test, when you start employment
you should have health checks every year, to make sure you’re not developing asthma
your employer should notifiy HSE (the Health and Safety Executive) if you develop occupational asthma

Most employers will do what they can to help. If you don’t think that they are doing enough, you could try:

talking to your health and safety rep at work
contacting your trade union or professional body
contacting the local HSE office (or the local council environmental health department) for advice.

If you’re told that your asthma has been caused by your job, you should get advice quickly both about compensation and about benefits you may be entitled to.

The level of benefit you get will depend on the severity of your disability. You may be eligible for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or be eligible for Reduced Earnings Allowance .

It’s important to claim your benefit as soon as possible. Payments will only start from the day you claim, not the day you found out you had occupational asthma.

You normally have three years from the time your occupational asthma symptoms started to begin legal action.

The sooner court proceedings can be started, the better it’s likely to be for you. You should get expert advice from a lawyer with experience in occupational diseases.

If you’re a member of a union, they’ll help you find an experienced lawyer. If you’re not a member of a union, you can get free advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau .

There are many other respiratory triggers at work, and more are being identified all the time.

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) publishes a list of the best known substances , which is updated regularly. You can also get top tips on avoiding occupational asthma .

If you’ve already got asthma (not occupational asthma) but you’ve noticed your symptoms getting worse when you’re at work, you can get more advice here .

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Allergic and environmentally induced asthma.

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Last Update: August 7, 2023 .

Continuing Education Activity

Asthma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that early institution of inhaled corticosteroids can reduce exacerbations and decrease the frequency of associated hospital admissions. This activity outlines the diagnosis, management and treatment of environmental and allergic asthma and describes how to prevent exacerbations of it. It highlights the importance of the interprofessional team in helping educate patients about compliance with treatment and prevention of exacerbations by identifying the triggers.

Summarize the pathophysiology behind allergic and environmentally induced asthma.
Explain the common physical exam findings associated with asthma.
Outline the goals for management of environmental and allergic asthma.
Outline the importance of collaboration and coordination among the interprofessional team to enhance patient care and help prevent asthma exacerbations.
Introduction

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute defines asthma as a chronic inflammatory disorder. Many cells including mast cells, eosinophils, macrophages, neutrophils, T-lymphocytes, and epithelial cells contribute to the inflammation that occurs. The inflammation can lead to the symptoms of asthma that arise; such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

Asthma is an obstructive airway disorder, limiting expiratory airflow. It is both acute and reversible and is characterized by obstruction of airflow due to inflammation, bronchospasm and increased airway secretions. Asthma is a disease that impacts all races, ages, sexes, and ethnic groups. It is estimated that 7% of Americans have asthma. Asthma and atopy have dramatically increased in westernized countries. Despite the high prevalence of disease there have been improved outcomes and fewer hospitalizations for asthma attacks. Asthma is characterized by episodic wheezing, hyperresponsiveness of airways to various stimuli and obstruction of airways. These symptoms may occur a few times a day or a few times a week, depending on the person. The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel guidelines for the management of asthma recommend that patients who require daily asthma medications have allergy testing for perennial indoor and outdoor allergens.

The etiology of asthma can be multifactorial. It is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, the primary factor underlying all types of asthma is an exaggerated hypersensitivity response. This is described as an IgE-mediated response. This response is triggered by an offending agent, whether it be an allergen or environmental agent (such as air pollutants) resulting in an increased presence of eosinophils, lymphocytes and mast cells. This causes airway inflammation and damage to the bronchial epithelium. Cytokines have also been identified as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of asthma. Abnormal smooth muscle and contractility and smooth muscle mass are also contributing factors. Allergic asthma attacks are related to exposure to specific offending agents.

The strongest risk factor for developing asthma is a history of atopic disease. Those that have hay fever or eczema have a much higher risk of asthma.

Environmental triggers include exercise, hyperventilation, hormonal changes, and emotional upset, airborne pollutants, as well as GERD.

Environmental pollutants may affect asthma severity it might act as a trigger leading to an asthma exacerbation. The pollutant can exacerbate a pre-existing airway inflammation.

There have been several studies to support the effects of allergies and allergens in triggering asthma.

Both indoor and outdoor allergens and pollutants need to be considered these include:

Biologic allergens (dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, and mold)
Environmental tobacco smoke-smoking during pregnancy and after delivery is related to a substantial risk of developing asthma
Irritant chemicals and fumes-traffic pollution and high ozone levels
Products from combustion devices

Occupational asthma is the most prevalent lung disease in industrialized countries and represents 15% of the new asthma cases in adults. It is defined as a variable airflow limitation or hyper-responsiveness due to a particular occupational environment. Occupational asthma may be caused by allergens or irritants in the workplace.

The hygiene hypothesis is an evolving theory that states an abnormally clean environment that limits childhood exposure to triggers and infections, which cause a "naive" immune system, increases the incidence of asthma and allergies. [1]

Epidemiology

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 13 people has asthma. It affects 25.7 million Americans, including 7.0 million children younger than 18 years. It is a significant health and economic burden on patients, families, and society. Important epidemiologic issues include:

In 2010, 1.8 million people visited an emergency room for asthma-related care, and 439,000 people were hospitalized because of asthma.
The most recent data obtained from the CDC shows prevalence in males at about 6.5% and in females about 9.1%.
Regarding race distribution, the prevalence is 7.8% in the white population, 10.3% in the black community and 6.6% in the Hispanic population.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 235 million people currently have asthma.
The annual incidence of occupational asthma ranges from 12 to 170 cases per million worked. The prevalence is reported at 5% to 15% across many different industries.
Asthma is the most common noncommunicable disease among children.
Most deaths occur in older adults.
Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of asthma is well recognized and is characterized by variable airflow constriction and airway hyperresponsiveness, thereby causing a contractile response of the airways due to a variety of stimuli. The airway inflammation associated with asthma is felt to be the role of mast cell activation mediated by a variety of cells and cytokines similar to the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis.

Eosinophils are the most specific cells that accumulate in asthma and allergic inflammation and also correlate with disease severity. Variable narrowing of the airway lumen causes variable reductions of airflow which is pathognomonic of asthma.

Bronchoconstriction may be due to the direct effects of contractile agonists released from inflammatory cells or reflex neural mechanisms. There is also a subset of patients with asthma who have irreversible airflow obstruction which is believed to be caused by airway remodeling. Structural cells, epithelium, fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and endothelium may contribute to airway remodeling through the combination of mediators and cytokines.

There are a variety of genetic, environmental and infectious factors that appear to modulate whether susceptible individuals progress to overt asthma. [2]

Histopathology

The histopathology of asthma is characterized by some structural changes, including epithelial detachment, subepithelial fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltrate, bronchial smooth muscle hypertrophy, mucous gland hypertrophy, and vascular changes. These changes can be seen in the proximal airways as well as the distal lung and can be seen in endobronchial biopsies of mild, moderate, and severe asthma. [1]

History and Physical

Pertinent History

Onset of symptoms
Environmental triggers (inside and outside the home) and risk factors (such as tobacco use or exposures)
Current therapy and previous history specific to their attacks
History of prior hospitalization or intubation for asthma
Occupation (sensitizers and 10% by irritants cause 90% of occupational asthma)*
Ask about food allergies
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms
Use of medications such as NSAIDs and aspirin
If exercise triggers shortness of breath

Asthma Symptoms

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pressure

Physical Examination Findings during an Acute Exacerbation

Accessory muscle use
Retractions
Prolonged expiratory phase
Sometimes there is limited air movement which can occur in severe cases

* Sensitizers include animals, bioaerosols, drugs, enzymes, latex, plants, seafood, acid anhydrides, metals, wood dust, persulfate, rosin, and isocyanates. Irritants include chlorine and high-level dust and smoke. [3] , [4]

Initial Evaluation

Pulse oximetry
Spirometry-generally if the measured FEV1(forced expiratory volume in one second) improves more than 12% and increases by 200 milliliters following bronchodilator it is supportive of the diagnosis
Chest x-ray if indicated
Flu swab/RSV can be performed if concerned about a virus triggering asthma
ABG may be warranted depending on the severity of symptoms

For any patient with a new onset of asthma, occupational asthma should be considered the following tests can be ordered to verify this:

Measure peak flow
Obtain spirometry and also peak expiratory flow rate that can be monitored inside work and outside of work
Skin prick tests can also be performed to test for allergies
Methacholine challenge can be performed
Specific inhalation challenges can also be completed

Biomarkers of inflammation are being evaluated for their usefulness in the diagnosis of asthma. Biomarkers include total and differential cell count and mediator assays in sputum, blood, urine, and exhaled air.

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Expert Panel guidelines for asthma recommend that patients who require daily asthma medications have allergy testing for perennial indoor allergens. When the triggers are found, exposure to allergens should be controlled by various measures as discussed below. For patients whose symptoms are not controlled should be referred to an allergist for immunotherapy

Asthma severity is classified as intermittent, persistent-mild, persistent-moderate, and persistent. Several validated questionnaires have also been used to assess asthma control in patients; these include the Asthma Assessment questionnaire, the Asthma Control Questionnaire, and the Asthma Control Test. During the initial visit, asthma, severity, and control should be assessed to initiate treatment. Then asthma control should be evaluated to determine a treatment plan. [4]

Treatment / Management

The goal of asthma care is to reduce impairment, which is the frequency and intensity of symptoms and functional limitations, as well as reducing the risk of future asthma attacks, a decline in lung function, or medication side effects. Achieving and maintaining asthma controls involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes appropriate medication, addressing environmental factors that may cause a worsening of symptoms and help patients learn self-management and monitoring skills and to adjust therapy accordingly. The goal of treatment is to stop symptoms by reducing airway inflammation and hyperreactivity.

Currently, asthma medications are classified according to their roles in the overall management of asthma quick versus long-term control. All patients should have available a fast-acting bronchodilator for use as needed. If these are being used for more than 2 days per week or more than 2 times a month for nighttime awakenings, then a controller medication should be prescribed. The quick-acting inhalers are the most effective to reverse airway obstruction and provide immediate symptomatic relief. The most widely used drugs are beta-agonists such as albuterol. Achieving long-term control of asthma requires a multifactorial approach including the avoidance of environmental stimuli that can provoke bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation as well as monitoring changes in disease activity and sometimes allergen immunotherapy and drug therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids best help patients achieve well-controlled asthma. They work by suppressing airway inflammation and decreasing bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Asthmatics who smoke have less benefit from inhaled corticosteroids than nonsmokers.

Step-Up Therapy: The Goal of Asthma Control

Step 1: For intermittent asthma, preferred therapy is a short-acting inhaled beta2 agonist. For persistent asthma, daily medication is recommended.
Step 2: Preferred treatment is a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid.
Step 3: A low dose inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting inhaled beta2 agonist is recommended, or a medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid.
Step 4: The preferred treatment is a medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta2 agonist.
Step 5: The preferred treatment is high dose inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta2 agonist and considering omalizumab for people with allergies.
Step 6: The preferred treatment is high-dose inhaled corticosteroid plus a long-acting beta2 agonist plus an oral corticosteroid; consider omalizumab with people with allergies.

For steps 2 to 4, also consider allergy immunotherapy and allergy testing. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, cromolyn sodium, and theophylline can be used as alternative treatments but not preferred agents. Leukotriene inhibitors have shown to improve exercise-induced asthma by 50% for children 12 and older. The decision to step up therapy is based on control of symptoms, of how often short-acting inhaler is being used, nighttime awakenings, interference with activity and questionnaires. Compliance, inhaler technique, environmental control, and comorbidities should also be assessed. Consideration to step down therapy if asthma is controlled for at least 3 months.

Patients using inhalers should be encouraged to use spacers, especially in children. Studies have shown if the inhaler is used appropriately with a spacer it is just as useful as a nebulizer machine.

Allergen and environmental control are very important in asthmatics as well. The primary factor in the environmental control program is the avoidance of dust mites. Sensitivity to dust mites is a strong predictor of asthma and asthma severity. When controlling exposure to dust mites, it is recommended to encase mattresses and pillows in vinyl covers and wash all bedding every 1 to 2 weeks in hot water. Other measures include reducing humidity, removing carpets from bedrooms, and limiting lying on upholstered furniture. In rooms of children stuffed animals should be washed or removed from beds. If unable to remove rugs, using a HEPA filter will reduce allergen emissions. Wearing a mask while using a regular vacuum helps as well.

Pets especially cats can also be a potential trigger for asthma and allergies and typically should be removed from the house. High exposure to cockroach allergen has been associated with the risk of asthma and the highest concentration in the kitchen. Allergy to fungus is a risk factor for asthma. When there are high spore counts in your location s person with asthma and allergies should avoid prolonged outdoor activity. Tobacco exposure should be avoided as it has been shown to increase medication requirements and also decrease lung function. Maternal smoking during pregnancy has been associated with increases in child risk of developing asthma. Air pollution can also contribute to exacerbating asthma as well.

Management of Acute Exacerbations

Correcting severe hypoxemia through the application of oxygen and repetitive treatment with short-acting beta2 agonists
Rapid reversal of airflow obstruction
Reduction of the risk of relapse
Anyone with peak expiratory flow below 50% needs immediate medical care.

Medications

Combination of inhaled anticholinergic and beta2 agonist which have been shown to decrease hospitalization of school-aged children
Intravenous magnesium sulfate has also been shown to increase lung function and decrease hospitalization in children
Administering systemic corticosteroids within one hour of an emergency room or urgent care presentation has a significant effect on patients with severe exacerbation and also decreases hospitalization
Patients should be sent home on oral prednisone after an acute hospitalization [4]
Differential Diagnosis

Making sure a patient has asthma and not another condition is an essential step before initiating treatment.

Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)
Congestive heart failure
gastroesophageal reflux disease
mechanical obstruction of airways
vocal cord dysfunction
Obstructive sleep apnea
Depression and stress

Infrequent Causes

Pulmonary embolism
pulmonary infiltrates
Medications such as ACE inhibitors

In children distinguishing between asthma wheezing versus others, causes can be difficult. The differential in children for wheezing can be the following:

Upper Airway Diseases

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis

Obstructions Involving Large Airways

Foreign body in trachea or bronchus
Vocal cord dysfunction
Vascular rings or laryngeal webs
Laryngotracheomalcia, tracheal stenosis, or bronchostenosis
Enlarged lymph node or tumor

Obstructions Involving Small Airways

Viral bronchiolitis
Cystic Fibrosis
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Primary ciliary dyskinesia syndrome

Other Causes

Congenital heart disease
A recurrent cough not due to asthma
Gastroesophageal reflux

See Table 1

The prognosis of asthma is variable amongst adults and children. Children do experience complete resolution more than adults. However, the progression of severe disease is unlikely in both groups unless there are other underlying lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or tobacco abuse. Many studies have shown those patients that have had previous hospitalizations, as well as intubations who are classified as severe asthmatics, have a poorer prognosis. Patients who smoke and have underlying COPD have a poorer prognosis as well in this subset of patients permanent lung impairment can occur.

Many recent studies have shown if inhaled steroids are started early in the course of the disease as well as continuously has a beneficial effect and can improve lung function. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10546480]

Complications

Complications from asthma do exist although long-term complications are not common.

Common Complications

Interference with normal activities
Interference with sleep
Time missed from school and work
Emergency department visits and hospitalizations

Long-term complications from asthma can occur due to chronic inflammation which can lead to damage to the airways. Typically frequent asthma attacks can lead to airway inflammation and eventually medications are unable to penetrate the airway. Death from asthma is rare the risk increases in those patients with underlying lung disease and smokers. [5]

Consultations

Refer patients to an asthma specialist for consultation or co-management following reasons:

When there are difficulties in achieving or maintaining control of asthma
If the patient required more than 2 bursts of oral systemic corticosteroids in 1 year or has an exacerbation requiring hospitalization
If step-4 care or higher is required (step-3 care or higher for children 0 to 4 years of age)
If immunotherapy or omalizumab is considered
When additional testing is necessary [6]
Deterrence and Patient Education

Patients should be educated about asthma concerning the use of medications. They should understand how to take medications and also the differences between quick-acting medications and maintenance medications such as inhaled corticosteroids.

Patients should also be encouraged to use an asthma action plan, so they understand when their symptoms are severe, and they need to contact a physician or go to the emergency room.

The asthma APGAR (activities, persistent, triggers, asthma medications, response to therapy) tools in primary care practices have been shown to improve rates of asthma control and reduce emergency room and urgent care visits. [7]

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Asthma is considered the most common chronic disease seen in children. It is a significant cause for missing school as well as frequent emergency department and urgent care visits. The use of inhaled corticosteroids has been shown to improve asthma control but adherence is low amongst all populations. In a study performed in Massachusettes between 2012 and 2015, the impact of the school nurse-supervised asthma therapy program on healthcare utilization was reviewed. The children who participated in this study were identified as high risk and had persistent asthma. The study recognized poor adherence to medications by this group of children as well. These children were given their inhaled corticosteroid monitored by the school nurse daily to twice daily. This was a retrospective study where data was analyzed and electronic health records were reviewed to follow asthma-related emergency department and hospital visits both before the study and after the study. Refills of albuterol and prednisone through pharmacy records and medical records were obtained. Lastly, the research assistants reviewed school absenteeism reports from school nurses. [Level III Cohort Case-Control studies] The study showed a reduction in both emergency department and hospital visits as well as decreased refills in albuterol in the post-intervention group versus pre-intervention. This small study showed that collaboration with a school nurse to provide supervised asthma medication can reduce health care utilization in school-aged children and provide better asthma control overall. [8]

In 2013, 1.6 million emergency department visits were due to uncontrolled asthma. Many studies have shown that asthma education is essential to help promote patient self-management and adherence. A retrospective study was done in the South Bronx asthma clinic to show that combining pharmacy expertise with asthma education also improves medication adherence and asthma control, as well as decreasing hospital utilization. The role of the asthma educator is to teach patients about asthma medications, their proper use, and to provide better understanding of the disease. Chart reviews were performed to identify improvement of asthma control after education based on the asthma control test scores. Conclusions from this study show that the addition of a pharmacist lead asthma education program was associated with improved medication adherence, decreased hospital utilization, and increased asthma control. [9] [Level III Cohort Case-Control studies]

Of utmost importance in the treatment and prevention of asthma-associated morbidity and mortality is communication between an interprofessional team of clinicians, pharmacists, and specialized nurses. Communication of medication noncompliance between the pharmacists and clinician can help identifies those patients who are at highest risk of asthma exacerbations. Specialty nurses can help educate the patient on the proper administration of the inhalers and their use. Nurses can help clinicians identify the most appropriate prescription for each patient to ensure proper compliance. Only by working together as an integrated interprofessional unit in the treatment of asthma can we achieve improved patient outcomes. [Level V]

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Asthma Pathology. Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. Figure B shows a cross-section of a normal airway. Figure C shows a cross-section of an airway during asthma symptoms. Contributed by United States-National Institute (more...)

Asthma Classification Table Contributed by Rina Chabra, DO

Disclosure: Rina Chabra declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Mohit Gupta declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ), which permits others to distribute the work, provided that the article is not altered or used commercially. You are not required to obtain permission to distribute this article, provided that you credit the author and journal.

Cite this Page Chabra R, Gupta M. Allergic and Environmentally Induced Asthma. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

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Guest Essay

I’m a Doctor. Dengue Fever Took Even Me by Surprise on Vacation.

A black-and-white illustration of an Aedes aegypti mosquito.

By Deborah Heaney

Dr. Heaney is a physician in Ann Arbor, Mich.

I hate mosquitoes so much that I take my own bug repellent to parties. But in early March, on a trip with my partner to the idyllic island of Curaçao off Venezuela, I was caught off guard by insect bites after our bed-and-breakfast hosts said that mosquitoes didn’t usually appear until late summer.

Near the end of the vacation, my legs began to ache. After I couldn’t keep up with my partner on a snorkeling adventure, he pulled me from the water. My ribs felt broken, as if I’d been smashed against large boulders in the sea. Later that day came intense fever, alternating with shaking chills.

Back in Michigan — weak, nauseated and dehydrated from explosive diarrhea — I ended up in the emergency department. Tests showed worrisome white blood cell levels and abnormal liver numbers. The physician assistant who saw me was perplexed; she gave me IV fluids and medication for nausea and sent me home.

A few days later I developed itching so severe that I couldn’t sleep. A bright red rash spread over both thighs and up my lower back. My brain was foggy, and my balance was so impaired that I would have failed a sobriety test. My primary care doctor had no answers. But as my head began to clear, it occurred to me to request a dengue fever test.

Two days later, the test was positive.

Despite my training in medicine, I was blindsided. Dengue, a mosquito-borne illness, is surging through Latin America and the Caribbean, including in Puerto Rico, where a public health emergency was declared last week. This year is likely to be the worst on record, in part because of El Niño-driven temperature spikes and extreme weather linked to climate change. As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns grow more erratic, the problem will get only worse.

But neither the traveling public nor our frontline health workers are prepared. Without urgent reforms to how we educate travelers, doctors, nurses and others — as well as reforms to public health surveillance and early warning systems — we will be doomed to miss textbook cases like mine. That means those infected with dengue will miss out on timely treatment, possibly even spreading the virus to areas where it was never found before.

The dengue virus, which is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, infects up to 400 million people every year in nearly every region of the world, but it is most prevalent in Latin America, South and Southeast Asia and East Africa. Most cases are asymptomatic or, like mine, are considered mild, although the aptly nicknamed breakbone fever often doesn’t feel that way. Some 5 percent of cases progress to a severe, life-threatening disease including hemorrhagic fever.

One malicious feature of dengue is that when someone is infected a second time with a different type of the virus, the risk of severe illness is higher. A vaccine exists, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends it only for children ages 9 to 16 who had dengue before and live in places where the virus is common. That’s because, paradoxically, if you’ve never had dengue, the vaccine puts you at greater risk of severe illness your first time.

Dengue outbreaks, which, in the Americas, tend to occur every three to five years , now appear to be expanding their geographic reach as temperatures climb . The Aedes aegypti mosquito has typically had difficulty surviving and reproducing during the winter in temperate climates. But in parts of Brazil, which is experiencing a dengue emergency , the thermometer no longer dips as low in the winter as it once did, allowing the bugs to reproduce year-round. Overall, Latin America and the Caribbean have had three times the number of cases this year as reported for the same period in 2023, which was a record year. Higher temperatures are also helping the virus develop faster inside the mosquito, leading to a higher viral load and a higher probability of transmission. And mosquitoes are benefiting from standing water from rains and floods that are growing more extreme in a warming world.

As the virus spreads globally, travelers are bringing infections back to the continental United States. Based on 2024 numbers to date, this year should show a clear increase of cases here at home compared with 2023, given that the typical dengue season hasn’t even started yet. There could also be local outbreaks in places like Florida, Texas and California, which experienced small ones in the past. As Dr. Gabriela Paz-Bailey, the chief of the C.D.C.’s dengue branch, told me by email, “Increased travel to places with dengue risk could lead to more local transmission, but the risk of widespread transmission in the continental United States is low.”

But since testing is done only on a small fraction of cases, many are going uncounted. I was the one who requested that I be tested. Had I not been given a diagnosis, I would not be aware of my increased risk of severe illness if I am reinfected. Getting a diagnosis is crucial to inform those infected in areas where the Aedes mosquito lives so that the virus doesn’t spread further.

The growing risk means travelers to regions with dengue must be savvier: They can check local news and U.S. State Department advisories, bring an effective insect repellent and protective clothing and book lodging with air-conditioning or screens on the windows and doors. Though Aedes aegypti mosquitoes now live year-round in many locations and are pushing northward into new regions , thanks to climate change and other factors, there are still seasons when the risk is greater, and travelers might consider avoiding trips during those periods. Travel insurance with medical coverage may also be a useful precaution.

For medical professionals, this should be a warning. We need to start thinking about dengue as a possible diagnosis, not just a piece of textbook trivia. We should ask about recent travel when treating patients presenting with symptoms, especially symptoms not easily explained by other diagnoses.

Medical schools are gradually integrating climate change effects into curriculums . This is essential, since malaria, Lyme, West Nile and other insect-borne diseases are on the rise, as are other conditions like heat illness, asthma and allergies that are worsened by climate change. This work must accelerate, and training must include those of us who are already practicing. State medical boards should consider mandating continuing education on tropical emerging illnesses, as they do on many other pertinent topics.

After receiving my positive test result, I called the emergency department to leave a message for my previous provider about my diagnosis, assuming she had never before seen dengue. If we continue on this trajectory, I’m certain this won’t be her last case.

Deborah Heaney is a preventive, occupational and environmental health physician practicing in Ann Arbor, Mich. She also holds a master’s degree in public health.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article included an incorrect reference to the mosquitoes that spread dengue. They are members of the Aedes genus, not species.

How we handle corrections

173 Asthma Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best asthma topic ideas & essay examples, 💡 interesting topics to write about asthma, 📑 good research topics about asthma, 📌 simple & easy asthma essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on asthma, ❓ research questions about asthma.

SOAP Note for an Asthmatic Patient Today, asthma is known as one of the most common respiratory diseases in the United States, as well as in the whole world.
Living With a Chronic Disease: Diabetes and Asthma This paper will look at the main effects of chronic diseases in the lifestyle of the individuals and analyze the causes and the preventive measures of diabetes as a chronic disease. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
Child Asthma Emergency Department Visits: Plan for the Reduction The population of Central Harlem will be the target of this intervention that aims to decrease the rate of children’s asthma-related ED visits.
Asthma in Pediatric and Occupational Therapy Treatment The flow peak is more than 80% of the child’s personal best, and less than 30% variability in the day-to-day flow of the peak measurements.
Asthma Treatment Algorithm for Patients Complete the blanks in the following table to create an algorithm for asthma care using your textbook as well as GINA guidelines.
Asthma: Pathophysiology, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Complications The pathobiology of asthma remains greatly indeterminate, and its pathophysiology involves abnormalities of the respiratory system organs, including the lungs and the bronchial tree.
The Evaluation of Evidence Linking Asthma With Occupation Overall, the results of this study supported the initial argument of the authors in regard to the need for frequent updates and modifications of JEMs in order for them to reflect the most relevant and […]
Asthma Exacerbation in Pregnancy The patient has a history of childhood asthma diagnosis, and she is presently exhibiting typical asthma symptoms like wheezing and a nonproductive cough.
Asthma: Epidemiological Analysis and Care Plan Asthma has a variety of symptoms and pathogenesis, including acute, subacute, or chronic inflammation of the airways, intermittent blockage of airflow, and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchi.
Asthma Diagnosis in Pregnant Women It may be essential to modify the type and dose of medication to compensate for the alterations in the female’s metabolism and the severity of her health condition.
Healthy Lifestyle Interventions in Comorbid Asthma and Diabetes In most research, the weight loss in cases of comorbid asthma and obesity is reached through a combination of dietary interventions and physical exercise programs.
Clinical Case of Asthma in African American Boy By combining the use of corticosteroids and exercises into the treatment plan, as well as educating the patient and his parents about the prevention and management of asthma attacks, a healthcare practitioner will be able […]
Asthma From a Clinic Perspective And the prevalence of asthma in the European Union is 9. In UK and Ireland experience some of the greatest rates of asthma in the globe.
Corticosteroids and Inhalants in Asthma As well as the causes of fatigue and physiological events during an asthma attack, and how the body compensates for an increase in CO2, with a focus on the effects of hypercapnia on the central […]
The Treatment Modalities of Asthma However, in order to limit susceptibility to the triggers, the patient is advised to take long-term asthma medications on a daily basis.
Asthma Diagnostics and Treatment According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, some of the most common symptoms of asthma include cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fainting.
Asthma: Pathophysiology, Symptoms, and Manifestations The primary organ affected by asthma is the lungs, as the disease is caused by airway narrowing and the inability to breathe.
Asthma: Description, Diagnosis and Treatment First of all, before discussing measures to prevent an increase in the case of the disease, it is necessary to understand the nature of the disease.
Inflammation’s Role in Asthma Development This work is written in order to study the role of inflammation plays in the development of asthma on the basis of research papers.
The Use of Tezspire: The Management of Asthma The brochure describes the use of Tezspire, which is a drug used for the management of asthma. The brochure’s target audience is patients with a long history of asthma and their family and caregivers.
Asthma Treatment in Pediatric Patients: Spacer vs. Conventional Inhaler Computers and the Internet connection have become available to a considerable portion of the population, which equally serves as a facilitator of the new solution implementation.
Physical Assessment Report for an 18-Years-Old Asthma Patient The boy and his family suspect that he is suffering frequent asthma attacks due to allergies to cold and dust, however none of his members of the family suffer from asthma.
Use of Scientific Method in Asthma and Allergic Reactions Study As in the case of asthma and allergic reactions investigations, descriptive studies can be used to describe the nature of the relationship between asthma and asthma attack, therefore explaining the cause and effect.
COVID-19 Susceptibility in Bronchial Asthma by Green et al. The research reflected in the article aims to trace the susceptibility of patients with bronchial asthma to coronavirus disease. It is noted that the receptors that respond to those occurring in the environment are the […]
Exercise-Induced Asthma in Children The onset of an EIA attack follows a constriction of the airways of the patient after physical exercise. When water shifts from the cells of the epithelium to the airway surface, it causes a release […]
The Child Asthma Emergency Department Visits The program makes it easy for medical caregivers to carry accurate assessments to pediatric patients. The program is easily scalable, and it is also sustainable, making 5A’s the best solution to Child Asthma Emergency Department […]
Asthma Among Children of Color in New York City On the other hand, the conditioning of the matter to a particular scope hinders the determination of a rational scientific solution to the core issue.
Asthma in Relation to Inability to Breathe: A Case Study The shortness of breath is known to be a primary cause of Asthma, whereas the asthmatic state of an individual also has the capabilities of influencing shortness of breath as a result of the lung […]
Asthma Treatment Options, Long-Term Control, and Complications Speaking of the patient profile, the first aspects that should be mentioned are the peculiarities of asthma disease history and other health conditions that might affect the treatment pattern.
Occupational Asthma: Case Discussion The primary diagnosis is occupational asthma; the causative agents of the indicated type of the disease are located directly at the person’s workplace.
The Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Asthma Disease in Children The reaction of the host on the respiratory infections is closely correlated with the deficiency of the vitamin D [1]. This is because of the suggestion that providing vitamin D supplements to patients with low […]
Asthma: Culture and Disease Analysis The cause of this condition is thought to be the narrowing of the person’s airways. This, as the experts explain, is a result of the inflammation of the airways in the lungs.
Relationship Between Asthma and the Body Mass Index The optimal design of the study is the use of questionnaires, since the nature of the research requires the consent of individual respondents in form of writing.
The Connection Between Asthma and Dust Emissions This is attributed to an increased rise of annual sandstorms and continued constructions that create a huge amount of dust in the air.
Prevalence of Asthma Due to Climatic Conditions Newhouse and Levetin also conducted a study to find the correlation between the airborne fungal spores, the concentration of pollen, meteorological factors and other pollutants, and the occurrence of rhinitis and asthma.
Helping African American Children Self-Manage Asthma The purpose of this critique is to analyze the weaknesses of the study. The title of the report Helping African American Children Self-Manage Asthma: The Importance of Self-Efficacy adequately identified the population of interest, namely […]
Asthma Among the Japanese Population In a report by Nakazawa in which the author sought to determine the trend of asthma mortality among the Japanese population, emotional stress and fatigue emerged as the leading factors for the causation of asthma.
Informed Consent – Ellen Roche, Asthma Study People interested in taking part in research trials have the right to know risks, benefits, procedures, the aim of the study, and protection of identity. This violation of subjects’ right led to the formation of […]
Asthma Prevalence: Sampling and Confidence Intervals In the study which was carried out in United States in 2009 amongst the children and adults to show the prevalence of Asthma, a sample of 38,815 and confidence interval of 95% was used.
Osteopathic Manipulation in Patients With Chronic Asthma This article seeks to criticise the application of osteopathic manipulation in the treatment of asthma patients. The focus is on the intervention of osteopathic manipulation therapy in restoring normal functioning and compliance to the thoracic […]
5-Year-Old With Asthma: Developmental Milestones & Care According to his mother, he also regularly grinds his teeth at night.G.J.was delivered normally and the mother had no complications. He could listen to instructions and get whatever he is being asked by his mother.
Asthma Respiratory Disorder Treatment Asthma etiology is the classification of various risk factors responsible for causing asthma in children and adults. Asthma etiology is the scientific classification of risk factors that cause Asthma in children and adult.
Genetics and the Asthma Case The allergies she complains of are some of the symptoms associated with asthma. Asthma is also known to attack children below the age of 15 years.
Childhood Bronchial Asthma: Process & Outcome Measures The evidence that is used to support the adoption of this measure is the guideline on clinical practice, as well as the procedure of formal consensus.
Biological Basis of Asthma and Allergic Disease The immunological response in asthmatic people fails in the regulation of the production of the Th2 cells and the anti-inflammatory cells.
Asthma and Medications: The Ethical Dilemma in Treating Children One of the major causes of dilemma, however, is the inability to manage and treat the condition in children under the age of 7 years due to ethical dilemma.
Educating the Elderly With Asthma The main objective of the given paper is to analyze the reasons of emergence of asthma among the elderly population, as well as research peculiarities of this group’s reaction to this condition as compared to […]
Exercise-Related Asthma in the 21st Century The study has also reported that almost 48 % of parents recognize the fact that children suffering from asthma have higher probability of the emergence of the typical symptoms of IEB.
The Nature and Control of Non-Communicable Disease – Asthma Asthma is caused due to the inflammation of the airways which in turn induces cough, wheezing, breathlessness and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Application: Asthma The features of the air passage include the bronchi, alveoli and the bronchioles. The pathophysiology of chronic and acute asthma exacerbation describes the process and stages that lead to airway obstruction.
Asthma in School Going Youth: Effects and Management The control and prevention of adverse effects of asthma are goals of managing asthma as stated in the National Asthma Education and Preventive Program asthma treatment guidelines.
Asthma in the African American Community The paper will also highlight the effects that the treatment options used by African Americans have on the prevalence of the disease.
Asthma Definition and Its Diagnostics The geographical area plays a major role in the distribution of the prevalence of asthma and its predisposing factors. There is scientific evidence that the presence of a history of asthma in parents is a […]
Foot Orthosis, Asthma & Benign Tumor It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, associated with the following symptoms: variable airflow obstruction and enhanced bronchial responsiveness to a variety of irritants.
Asthma in School Children in Saudi Arabia The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature on asthmatic disease in Saudi Arabia to accurately determine the epidemiology nature of the condition through community assessment for purposes of compiling a health […]
Usefulness of Acupuncture in Asthma Treatment The case for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of asthma is to be further supported by more research studies, since current and past research has been affected by a number of limitations or […]
Hypertension, Asthma and Glaucoma The assignment of duties is also a difficult task since the victim is forgetful and disoriented, which in this case may lead to delays or failures within the working system.
The Management of Asthma According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the country has the highest prevalence of Asthma in the world. Quick-relief medications are used to manage symptoms that come with acute attacks of asthma-like coughing, tightening of […]
Treatment of Asthma in Australia The rapid-acting treatments are taken to quicken the process of reversing acute asthmatic attacks by causing the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the bronchial system. These preventers reduce the sensitivity of airways hence swelling […]
The Asthma and Emphysema Analysis According to Kinsella and others, etiology of emphysema is often associated with smocking, and this led to the hypothesis that emphysema develops with age whereas asthma is mostly prevalent in children.
Asthma: Causes and Treatment Effects of asthma are more pronounced mostly at night and early in the morning and this results in lack of sleep.
Acute Asthma: Home and Community-Based Care For Patients It refers to the continuum of care extended to patients from the health facility to the community and homes. An asthma attack is fatal and patients should be encouraged to perform self-administration of medication.
How Emotions Spark Asthma Attack Although stress and emotions are known to start in a patient’s mind, asthma in itself is a physical disease that affects the patient’s lungs, and stress can create strong physiological reactions which may lead to […]
Asthma Is a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder Hence the main purpose of the study is to investigate the association of smoking and secondhand smoke with level of asthma control, severity, and quality of life among adult asthmatics.
Asthma: Leading Chronic Illness Among Children in the US Ample communication was to be provided to the family, Head Start personnel and the Child’s physician in relation to the asthma. A great reduction was seen in the asthma symptoms and emergency.
Dealing With Asthma: Controversial Methods Because of the enormous speed of the illness spread, dealing with asthma is becoming a burning issue of the modern medicine. This is due to the fact that the muscles of the broche lack the […]
Social Determinants of Health: Asthma Among Old People in Ballarat On the other hand, Melbourne is the capital city of the State of Victoria with a population of 4 million people, making it the second most populated city in Australia. This is a great challenge […]
Asthma Investigation: Symptoms and Treatment In patients with asthma, the condition causes the inflammation of air passages that is followed by the significant narrowing of airways.
Severe Asthma: The Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System The article focuses on asthma and the treatment that could alleviate the condition. Most of asthma patients are used to having an inhaler with them and this way, there is not much new technology, except […]
Public & Community Health: Asthma in Staten Island There is borough of Bronx, which is considered to be the poorest, and the case with it has been stated here that asthma is the fate of the residents.
Clinical Guidelines: Report on Asthma Guideline The guideline illustrates diagnostic procedures for assessment of severity and control of asthma based on presence of airway hypersensitiveness, reversibility of airflow, detailed medical history, respiratory tract, skin and chest examinations, spirometry to assess obstruction, […]
Clinical Management of Complex Cases in Dentistry: Case of Hypertension With Asthma Understanding the role of various drug interactions and the effect of various drugs on the medical conditions of the patients is of valuable assistance.
Health, Culture, and Identity as Asthma Treatment Factors She is the guardian of Lanesha and, despite raising another grandson and caring for her elderly mother, she is responsible for the health of the girl.
The Anti-Inflammatory Role of IL-26 in Uncontrolled Asthma Research findings suggest that the suppression of IL-26 secretion in the lungs would alleviate the anti-inflammatory response associated with uncontrolled asthma.
Nursing Informatics. Asthma: Health Literacy In the United States of America, bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children with the prevalence rate ranging from 6% to 9%.
Asthma Pathophysiology and Genetic Predisposition The pathophysiology of this disorder involves one’s response to an antigen and a subsequent reaction of the body in the form of inflammation, bronchospasm, and airway obstruction.
Asthma: Pathopharmacological Foundations for Advanced Nursing Practice Because of the high prevalence of asthma in the USA, mortality and morbidity rates in the country are also excessive. Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the USA, with high prevalence and […]
Asthma as Community Health Issue in the Bronx The rate of people, especially children, with asthma in this area is among the highest ones in the city. The issue of asthma in New York and the Bronx, in particular, is connected to multiple […]
Environmental Factors of Asthma in Abu Dhabi City A countrywide evaluation of the demises related to environmental pollution that takes a significant role in the rising cases of asthma shows UAE as the most affected nations since the discovery of oil in 1958 […]
Occupational Asthma: Michelle’s Case The first test is not prohibitively expensive, and the patient should be able to afford it if she can pay for the medications.
Asthma Patient’s Examination and Care Plan HPI: Being discharged from the facility ten weeks ago, the patient reports having shortness of breath, severe wheezing, and coughing. To control symptoms, the patient takes HTCZ and Enalapril.
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-Asthma Overlap The purpose of the research was to expand the current knowledge of the overlap syndrome in order to determine its prevalence and risk factors.
Chronic Asthma and Acute Asthma Exacerbation The consequences of the smooth muscles’ tightening can be aggravated by the thickening of the bronchial wall due to acute edema, cellular infiltration, and remodeling of the airways chronic hyperplasia of smooth muscles, vessels, and […]
Asthma and Stepwise Management The stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management is a six-step approach, according to which the number and the dose of medications and frequency of management are increased as necessary when symptoms persist and then […]
Asthma, Its Diagnostics, Treatment and Prevention Hippocrates was the one who labeled the disease as asthma, a Greek word that was used to denote the idea of “wind or to blow”, perhaps an attempt to describe the wheezing sound produced by […]
Asthma: Evidence-Based Pharmacological Treatment For instance, in children under 6, the development of the disease is typically preceded by the asthma-like symptoms that manifest themselves roughly at the age of three.
Pregnant Woman’s Asthma Case The case mentions the decreased effectiveness of the fluticasone MDI that she uses which can also be a clue to her condition. Her patterns of MDI use in the last two months and the bronchospasm […]
Asthma: Causes and Mechanisms The enlargement of the dense oesinophilic line near the bronchus/airways causes the individual to wheeze and gasp for air. The drugs are mainly used in the rapid opening of the bronchus to enable airflow into […]
Healthcare: Childhood Asthma and the Risk Factors in Australia From the findings presented above, it is evident that childhood asthma remains a considerable burden in Australia due to socioeconomic, geographic, and health-related issues such as deprived neighbourhoods, decreasing sun exposure and increasing latitude, and […]
Intubation and Mechanical Ventilation of the Asthmatic Patient in Respiratory The title of the article gives a clear idea of the research question to be investigated. The authors have detailed the processes of intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute asthma.
Asthma Environmental Causes This essay discusses the measures that can be taken to mitigate environmental causes of asthma. In the US, the government has developed a comprehensive strategy to mitigate environmental causes of asthmatic conditions in children.
Asthma’s Diagnosis and Treatment The complete occlusion of the airway can lead to growth of a distal at the atelectasis in the lung parenchyma. The level of AHR is connected to the signs of asthma and the urgency of […]
The Effects Of Asthma On Pregnant African Americans
Urban Children and Asthma Care Barriers
Asthma: Asthma and Nocturnal Asthma
The Health Problem of Asthma in the United States of America
Asthma: Chronic Inflamatory Obstructive Lung Disease
Asthma and Food-Allergy Reactions
Asthma And Exercise Asthmatic Asthmatics Breathing
Automobile Emissions, Co And Asthma
Asthma Control and Treatment in Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Asthma Is The Most Common Chronic Disease Of The Airways
Inflammatory Mediators Of Asthma And Histamines Biology
The Impact of Asthma on the Respiratory System, Its Causes, and Treatment
How Asthma Affects The Airway And Lungs
Diet and Nutrition for Asthma in a Child
Urban Asthma And The Neighborhood Environment
Asthma And Its Pathophysiological Structure
The Effects of Medication on the Increased Performance of Asthma Patients
What Parents Need To Know About Asthma
Employment Behaviors of Mothers Who have a Child with Asthma
The Genetic and Environmental Components of Asthma
The Influence of Asthma on the Lives of Students
Children’s Elevated Risk of Asthma in Unmarried Families: Underlying Structural and Behavioral Mechanisms
The Effects Of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Among Children With Asthma
The Effects Of Air Pollution On Children ‘s Asthma Emergency
Is Improper Use Of The Inhaler Related To Poor Asthma Control
Asthma Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management & Treatment
Limitations From Suffering Chronic Asthma
Causes And Effect Of Allergies And Asthma
Describe The Main Limitations Suffered By Those With Chronic Asthma
The Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis of Asthma
Negligent: Asthma and Nursing Interventions
The Signs, Causes and What Triggers Asthma
The Routine Care for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease, Asthma, Stroke, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Urinary Tract Infections, Diabetes, and Cervical Cancer
The Role Of Nurse Management Asthma And School Health Program
The Scope of Asthma in the General Population and on the Health Care System
The Most Effective Treatment for an Asthma Exacerbation
Pathophysiology Of Chronic Asthma And Acute Asthma
The Use Of Vitamin D Asthmatic Children Effectiveness Of Vitamin Supplements In Childhood Asthma
The Ways in Which the Symptoms of Asthma Can Be Reduced
Measures to Minimize Environmental Causes of Asthma
Inner City Adult Asthma Patients and Risk Factors
Raising Awareness to Prevent the Rise of Asthma
Planning and Intervention in the Disease Process of Childhood Asthma
The Anatomy And Physiology Of Respiratory System And The Diagnosis Of Asthma
The Causes and Effects of Asthma Sufferers
The Application of Corticosteroids in the Management of Bronchial Asthma
Salbutamol: History of Development in Asthma Drug Compounds
Sensitization To Plant Food Allergens In Patients With Asthma
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Otitis Media and Asthma
The Discrepancy between Asthma Cases in Minority and White Communities
The Chronic Illness in Children Known as Asthma
Does Childhood Asthma Improve With Age?
What Are the First Warning Signs of Asthma?
Which Child Is at Greatest Risk for Asthma?
What Is the Genetic Predisposition of Asthma?
Can Occupational Therapy Help With Asthma?
How to Ventilate Obstructive and Asthmatic Patients?
What Is a Risk Factor Associated With Childhood Asthma?
What Type of Approach Is Used in Asthma Management?
What Is the Difference Between Asthma and Acute Asthma?
What Are the Pharmacological Treatment of Asthma?
How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Can Asthma During Pregnancy Affect Baby?
What Are the Three Mechanisms Involved in Asthma?
How Does Genetics and Environment Affect Asthma?
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Asthma Exacerbation?
What Factors Influence the Development of Asthma?
What Is the Physiological Cause of Asthma?
What Are the Statistics on Asthma in Australia?
What Is the Most Serious Type of Asthma?
What Ethnic Group Is Especially Likely to Have Childhood Asthma?
What Is a Nursing Care Plan of an Asthmatic Patient?
Does Asthma Cause Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy?
Should People With Asthma Use a Humidifier?
What Is Mechanical Ventilation Asthma?
What Is the Most Common Allergen to Trigger Asthma?
What Is the Main Physiological Cause of Asthma?
What Percent of Asthma Is Caused by Smoking?
How Long Does the Average Person With Asthma Live?
Which Drug Is Safe for Asthma in Pregnancy?
How Many People With Asthma Still Smoke?
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Update on the Management of Occupational Asthma and Work-Exacerbated Asthma
Work-related asthma is the most common occupational lung disease encountered in clinical practice. In adult asthmatics, work-relatedness can account for 15%-33% of cases, but delays in diagnosis remain common and lead to worse outcomes. Accurate diagnosis of asthma is the first step to managing occupational asthma, which can be sensitizer ...
Occupational Asthma
A systematic analysis of population attributable risk showed that an estimated 16.3% of all cases of adult-onset asthma are caused by occupational exposure. 38 There is a discrepancy between the ...
Occupational Asthma: Case Discussion
Michelle notes that a worsening of the symptoms develops on weekdays, and when she gets home, they decrease. According to Vandenplas et al. (2017), occupational asthma symptoms are similar to those of non-professional bronchial asthma. It is characterized by wheezing, coughing, chest compression, and shortness of breath.
Occupational Asthma: The Knowledge Needs for a Better Management
Introduction. Occupational asthma (OA) is defined as asthma induced by sensitizer or irritant work exposures (Tarlo et al., 2008) and the costs related to OA patients are greater than those related to non-work-related asthma (WRA) (Lemière et al., 2013).The complete avoidance of exposure is the first measure to be taken, but sometimes may not lead to a complete recovery from asthma (Baur et ...
Occupational asthma: Clinical features, evaluation, and diagnosis
INTRODUCTION. Occupational asthma (OA) is a form of work-related asthma characterized by variable airflow obstruction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway inflammation attributable to exposures in the workplace and not due to stimuli encountered outside the workplace [].Work-exacerbated asthma (also known as work-aggravated asthma) is defined as preexisting or concurrent asthma that ...
Occupational asthma
Overview. Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by breathing in fumes, gases, dust or other substances while on the job. These substances can trigger an immune system response that changes how the lungs work. Occupational asthma also is called work-related asthma. In asthma, the airways narrow and swell. They also may make extra mucus.
Occupational asthma: What it is, causes, and symptoms
This article discusses the triggers and types of asthma, specifically occupational asthma, its symptoms, and its causes. We also examine the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the condition.
Occupational and Work-Related Asthma
A buildup of chemicals that your body makes naturally, such as histamines or acetylcholine, causing airways to tighten. Irritants can come in many forms. Some occupational asthma irritants include: Animal dander or hair. Building materials, such as insulation, carpeting and foam. Chemicals, such as glues, coatings, dyes or plastics.
Occupational Respiratory Allergic Diseases: Occupational Asthma
Occupational exposures may cause new-onset asthma in a healthy subject, aggravate preexisting asthma in a symptomatic individual or reactivate asthma in an asymptomatic individual [].WRA or work-attributable asthma is a form of asthma caused or triggered by specific agents and/or conditions at the workplace.
The Evaluation of Evidence Linking Asthma With Occupation Essay
In contrast with the previous research that focused on the industry that is not known as a typical source of occupational asthma, the research by Baldi et al. (2014) investigated the risk of respiratory conditions in agricultural specialisations - a field with a high rate of occupational asthma prevalence.
Asthma Essay With Conclusions
Inhalation or ingestion of allergens and pollutants, exposure to cold weather, exercises, infections and occupational factors such as dust and chemicals can be considered asthma's risk factors, and healthcare professionals need to provide client education in order to prevent and minimize asthma attacks. Chronic asthma conditions affect client ...
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma symptoms are the same as any asthma exacerbation, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, eye irritation, and chest tightness. These symptoms may get worse during exposure to the irritant (s) at work. The cause can be allergic or nonallergic in nature. Symptoms may get better when the person is ...
Occupational asthma. Prevention, identification and management
Occupational asthma should be considered in all workers with symptoms of airflow limitation. The diagnosis is an ... relevant papers was performed retrospectively to 1966 for MEDLINE and 1974 for ...
Occupational asthma
Diagnosis. Diagnosing occupational asthma is similar to diagnosing other types of asthma. However, your healthcare professional also will try to identify whether a workplace substance is causing your symptoms and what substance is causing problems. An asthma diagnosis needs to be confirmed with a test called a lung function test.
Workplace interventions for treatment of occupational asthma
We identified three papers with the same first author and suspected that they had employed overlapping groups of participants (Talini 2012 ... Reduction of exposure compared to continued exposure in workers with occupational asthma: Patient or population: workers with occupational asthma Setting: various occupations and industries Intervention ...
Occupational asthma
What is occupational asthma? Occupational asthma is caused by breathing in substances at work, like dust, chemicals, fumes and animal fur. If you develop new asthma symptoms at work, or your childhood asthma comes back, you could have occupational asthma. You may be at your workplace for a while before you notice symptoms.
Essay on Environmental and Occupational Health: Analysis of
Occupational asthma can lead to serious health consequences, loss of employment and financial losses for employers. Early diagnosis is important for the removal of the precipitating agent during the first year of the onset of symptoms and can lead to a better prognosis (26). ... Essay on Environmental and Occupational Health: Analysis of ...
Occupational Asthma Essay
Occupational Asthma Essay. Satisfactory Essays. 67 Words; 1 Page; Open Document. Occupational asthma is defined as asthma caused by exposure to airborne dust, vapors or fumes to individuals in the working environment without previous exposure to asthma, the term work-related asthma comprises of occupational asthma.
Asthma: Epidemiological Analysis and Care Plan Essay
Asthma is an illness that disproportionately affects many adults and children globally. In 2019, 262 million people had asthma, causing 461 000 deaths (WHO, 2020). Scholars have done asthma-related research to provide information on causes, symptoms, therapies, and asthma mitigation. This study will describe asthma as a chronic condition ...
Allergic and Environmentally Induced Asthma
Occupational asthma is the most prevalent lung disease in industrialized countries and represents 15% of the new asthma cases in adults. It is defined as a variable airflow limitation or hyper-responsiveness due to a particular occupational environment. Occupational asthma may be caused by allergens or irritants in the workplace.
Occupational Asthma Paper
Occupational Asthma Essay. Occupational asthma is defined as asthma caused by exposure to airborne dust, vapors or fumes to individuals in the working environment without previous exposure to asthma, the term work-related asthma comprises of occupational asthma. Occupational asthma results from inhaling agents in the workplace and cases of ...
I'm a Doctor. Dengue Fever Took Even Me by Surprise on Vacation
This is essential, since malaria, Lyme, West Nile and other insect-borne diseases are on the rise, as are other conditions like heat illness, asthma and allergies that are worsened by climate change.
173 Asthma Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
The Nature and Control of Non-Communicable Disease - Asthma. Asthma is caused due to the inflammation of the airways which in turn induces cough, wheezing, breathlessness and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Application: Asthma. The features of the air passage include the bronchi, alveoli and the bronchioles.

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