While most asthmatics can perform their jobs effectively, work-related asthma can be a hindrance for some. The workplace can be a challenging environment for asthma patients in some cases.
Numerous factors contribute to asthma flare-ups, whether in the workplace or outside. In contrast to your home, you may not have better control when exposed to allergens and irritants at work, so if you’re concerned about an asthma attack. At the same time, please figure out how to deal with it and keep them under control at work without being treated unfairly.
Work-Related Asthma: Explained
Asthma is a medical condition that causes patients to have difficulty breathing. It is frequently caused by bronchial tube inflammation and obstructs free flow of breathing as well as proper inhaling and exhaling.
Work-related or occupational asthma is caused by inhaling irritants and allergic substances at work. You must have been at your workplace for a long time before you begin to experience asthma symptoms. It usually takes some time for the immune system to become sensitive to the triggers at work.
If your childhood asthma flares up or you begin to experience new symptoms at work, it is most likely due to work-related asthma. More than 300 suspected irritants that trigger asthma symptoms are commonly found in the workplace and worsens the health situation. Avoiding the substances that aggravate your asthma will help keep it from worsening.
Symptoms Of Asthma At Work
New asthma symptoms or worsening conditions among employees should raise concerns about workplace triggers. Asthma symptoms occur due to exposure to harmful irritants or substances. For some, it can develop after months or even years of repeated exposure to these toxic substances.
When you become sensitive to irritants at work, asthma symptoms may appear the next time you are exposed to them, even if for a short period of time. Some of the most common asthma symptoms are:
- Wheezing
- Chest Tightness
- Coughing
- Conjunctivitis
- Shortness of breath
Helpful Pointers To Deal With Asthma At Work
People who have asthma often worry about facing an asthma attack while at work or in front of other employees. To avoid feeling embarrassed, here are some tips to help you control your asthma flare-ups.
- Check air quality – Air pollution and extreme temperature variation can create lung inflammation, resulting in asthma attacks. Avoid staying outdoors for long when air quality is worse.
- Avoid strong odors – Avoid strong and pungent odors from industrial chemicals, cleaning vapors, perfumes, and air fresheners, as it aggravates asthma attacks.
- Identify the triggers – The most important step is to find out the triggering substances at work that make your symptoms worse and stay away from them. If possible, make sure the ventilation system is functioning well. Some of the common asthma triggers at the workplace are:
Airborne dust
Fumes and toxic vapors.
Harmful gases
Mold
Vehicle exhaust
Pests
Work-related stress
Final Thoughts
Asthma symptoms can be mild in some people, but severe in others. Most people with asthma can work if they take their prescribed medications. However, health authorities have identified asthma as a potentially debilitating health condition. As a result, specific guidelines for preventing workplace asthma flare-ups have been established.