 Getting out of bed on a Monday morning to
go to work can be difficult, after a relaxing weekend at home. For some it can
be more difficult than for others if it means you will go to work to suffer from
runny noses, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. If you suffer from either of
these you may be suffering from occupational asthma or allergies.Occupational allergies and asthma are disorders of the respiration system related directly to gases, dust, and fume inhalation or other potentially dangerous substances while working on the job. With occupational asthma, symptoms of the disease may develop for the very first time in previously unaffected workers. Or pre-existing asthma may be aggravated by exposure to these substances within the workplace. There may be job related triggers in up to 15% of asthma related cases in the United States. Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and cough are included as symptoms of asthma. Other symptoms of the disease may be nasal congestion, runny nose, and eye irritations. What usually occurs in these cases is a worsening of symptoms during the week, with the symptoms lessening over the weekend only to have them return the following Monday. Occupational asthma is usually caused by one of three mechanisms: Irritant Effects Common occupational asthma provocateurs include hydrochloric acid, sulfur dioxide or ammonia, found in certain petroleum and chemical industries. Frequently, these substances trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, and other symptoms of immediately after exposure. Actually this is considered an irritant reaction as opposed to an allergic reaction, since it doesn't involve the immune system. Workers with pre-existing respiratory disorders are particularly affected by exposure of this type. Allergies (Long-Term Exposure)
Pharmacologic Mechanisms Inhaling certain substances in aerosol form can cause the body to begin accumulating naturally occurring chemicals like histamine or acetylcholine in the lungs. This can lead to asthma. In the agricultural industry insecticides are commonly used. Exposure to insecticides can cause a buildup of acetylcholine, which causes airway muscles to contract and constrict. Allergens such as dust mites, cockroach droppings, pollens, molds and pet dander can also be found in workplaces and trigger asthma and allergies. If you suspect something to be triggering your asthma or allergy symptoms in the workplace you should consult an allergist/immunologist to assist you in identifying the source. Once identified, exposure to the allergen triggering the allergic response should be reduced. This can be done by having an affected worker reassigned to another area found to be free of the offending allergen. Work areas should be monitored closely for allergy and asthma causing substances so they can be kept at the lowest possible levels. Medications to counteract the effects of workplace substances can be helpful. More... Is Your Home Making You Sick?
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In many cases of occupational asthma,
allergies play a big role. Asthma of this type generally develops after
long-term exposure. We're talking exposure of up to months or years to work
related substances. It often takes this extended period of time for the bodies
immune system to develop allergic antibodies or other immune responses to a
particular substance. As an example, people working in the powdered detergent
industry could develop an allergy to the enzymes of the bacteria Bacillus
Subtilis. In the food processing industry, workers may develop allergies and
occupational asthma symptoms from repeated exposure to peanuts, castor beans,
green coffee beans and papain. Allergic occupational asthma can also occur in
the rubber, plastic or resin industries from repeated exposure to airborne
chemical molecules. Veterinarians, fishermen and animal handlers in laboratories
can develop allergic reactions to animal proteins, and even healthcare workers
can develop asthma from long-term exposure to airborne powdered proteins from latex gloves and powdered medications.