Asthma and Work-related Asthma

Developed by: Dana Hughes, RN, PhD

Miners Hospital, University of Utah

Libbey M. Chuy, MPHAsthma Program, Utah Department of Health

Overview

Asthma – What is it? Symptoms of asthma What is work-related asthma? How common is work-related asthma? What substances trigger asthma? How asthma is treated? Clues that suggest asthma may be work-

related What YOU can do if you have asthma

Asthma – What is It? Asthma is a chronic

lung disease that obstructs airflow

The obstruction is reversible

It involves difficulty in breathing due to – Inflammation (swelling)– Mucus in the airways– Tightening of muscles

around the airways

Symptoms of asthma

Coughing

Wheezing, a whistling sound

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness

Sneezing & runny nose

Itchy and inflamed eyes

What is work-related asthma?

Pre-existing asthma that is triggered or made worse by exposure to one or more substances in the work-environment

OR

Asthma that is caused by exposure to substances in the work-environment

Signs and symptoms are the same for asthma and work-related asthma

How common is asthma?

About 20 million Americans currently have asthma– About 8% of Utah adults have asthma

Up to 20% of all adult asthma cases maybe work-related asthma

Of those diagnosed with work-related asthma:– 20-27% are individuals with pre-existing asthma

who react to substances in the workplace– Up to 80% develop asthma due to work-place

exposures

What substances trigger asthma?

Type of Substance ExamplesAir pollutants, including dusts, smoke, mists & fumes

Diesel exhaust; tobacco smoke; mineral, rock, coal, & wood dusts; gases; fumes & vapors from aerosol agents, chemicals, cleaning materials, solvents, paints, welding & from heating & cooling metals quickly

Pollens, mites & molds Trees, flowers, weeds, hay, plants

Animal dander Birds, cats, dogs

Medications Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs

Foods Egg, wheat, nuts

Can asthma be cured? Asthma can be controlled (but not cured)

by:– Avoiding triggers or reducing exposure to

triggers– Using medication to control symptoms

Medications - generally two types are used – Controller or long-term drugs

• Taken to prevent excess production of mucus & to reduce the inflammation and constriction of airway muscles

– Rescue or quick-relief drugs• Taken to relax muscles around the airways to improve

breathing

Poorly controlled asthma leads to:

Increased visits to – Doctor, Urgent Care

Clinic or Hospital ERHospitalizationsLimitations in daily

activitiesLost work daysLower quality of

lifeDeath

What clues suggest that asthma is work-related?

Do symptoms:– Occur only at work

or regularly after a work-shift?

– Improve on weekends or vacations?

– Increase over the course of the work week?

– Improve after changes in the work environment?

Information to share with doctor

Discuss your symptoms.– When do they occur?– How often do they occur?– Time of day or week that

symptoms are worse– Times you feel better– Identify

• Substances in the work-place to which you are exposed

• Current and previous jobs, hobbies, and smoking habits that may affect your lungs

What YOU can do if you have asthma?

Identify and minimize contact with your asthma trigger(s)

Understand and take asthma medications as prescribed

Recognize early signs that your asthma is getting worse

Know what to do when your asthma is getting worse