Asthma, Occupational

Key Features

• Estimated 2–5% of all asthma cases are related to occupational factors

• May occur weeks to years after initial exposure and sensitization

Clinical Findings

• Dyspnea, wheezing, and/or cough that correlate with the workplace

• Patients often report feeling better in the evenings or during weekends and vacations

Diagnosis

• Requires a high index of suspicion and a careful history of workplace exposures

• Spirometry before and after exposure to the implicated substance

• Peak flow measurements at and outside of the workplace

• Bronchoprovocation testing is helpful in some cases

Treatment

• Bronchodilators

• Avoidance of further exposure to the offending agent