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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffOccupational asthma is asthma that's caused or worsened by breathing in a workplace irritant, such as chemical fumes, gases or dust. Like other types of asthma, occupational asthma can cause symptoms, such as chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
When diagnosed and treated early, occupational asthma may be reversible. Long-term exposure to irritants can cause worsening symptoms and lifetime asthma. Treatment for occupational asthma is similar to treatment for other types of asthma, and it generally includes taking medications to reduce symptoms. But the only sure way eliminate your symptoms and prevent lung damage due to occupational asthma is to avoid whatever's triggering it.
- Chan-Yeung M. Overview of occupational asthma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Malo J. Diagnosis and clinical assessment of asthma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Dykewicz MS. Occupational asthma: Current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:519.
- GINA report, global strategy for asthma management and prevention. Cape Town, South Africa: Global Initiative for Asthma. http://www.ginasthma.org/Guidelineitem.asp??l1=2&l2=1&intId=1561. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Chan-Yeung M. Pathogenesis of occupational asthma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Tips to Remember: Occupational asthma. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. http://aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/occupationalasthma.stm. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Malo J, et al. Occupational asthma. In: Adkinson N, et al: Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier. 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/134488541-3/0/1806/57.html?tocnode=56310176&fromURL=57.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05659-5..00053-X_1739. Accessed April 29, 2009.
- Smith AM, et al. Management of work-related asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:551.
- Passalacqua G, et al. ARIA update: I - Systematic review of complementary and alternative medicine for rhinitis and asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2006;117:1054.
- Steurer-Stey C. Complementary and alternative medicine in asthma: Do they work? Swiss Medicine Weekly. 2002;132:338.
- Hayes M, et al. Are any alternative therapies effective in treating asthma? The Journal of Family Practice. 2007;56:385.
- Horwitz R. Controlling asthma: The role of nutrition. Explore Journal of Science and Healing. 2005;5:393.
- Mainardi T, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine: Herbs, phytochemicals and vitamins and their immunologic effects. Journal of Allergy Clinical Immunology. 2009;123:283.
