Asthma and Work-related Asthma Developed by: Dana Hughes, RN, PhD Miners Hospital, University of Utah Libbey M. Chuy, MPH Asthma 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 SubstanceExamples Air 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 ER  Hospitalizations  Limitations in daily activities  Lost work days  Lower quality of life  Death

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