Asthma in Workers: An Overview

Abstract

Asthma is a respiratory disease commonly found in general medical practice and in various fields of study. Furthermore, asthma may be found in every age range. Twenty five percent of adult-onset asthma is occupational asthma. Allergens that cause occupational asthma are commonly found in work place such as animal proteins, plant proteins, metal transition, chemical substances, etc. The guideline on medical practice of the American College of Chest Physicians 2008 divides occupational asthma into two categories: sensitizer-induced occupational asthma and irritant-induced occupational asthma. Pathogenesis of disease are based on Immunologically mediated with participation of specific IgE, Immunologically mediated without evidence of participation of IgE and Non-immunologic. The diagnosis of occupational asthma in terms of symptoms and signs does not differ from the diagnosis of general asthma. The difference is that the diagnosis of occupational asthma must be reassured that the exposure to allergens involves a contact to irritating substance within workplace. Cure by medicine for occupational asthma is not different from that for general asthma. The best treatment would be to avoid allergens in the workplace. The preventive measures may be erected.