What Is Occupational Asthma?

Occupational asthma is a type of asthma that is caused or made worse by breathing in certain substances at work [1]. These substances, known as respiratory sensitisers or irritants, can trigger inflammation in the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Occupational asthma can develop in people who have never had asthma before or worsen symptoms in those with existing asthma.

What causes occupational asthma?

It’s caused by exposure to specific substances found in certain jobs or workplaces. Common triggers include:

Dusts from flour, grain, or wood
Chemicals in paints, cleaning products, or manufacturing
Fumes from welding or metalwork
Latex (used in gloves and medical products)
Animal proteins (in farming, veterinary, or lab work)

Exposure can lead to breathing problems during or after work hours.

Who is at risk of occupational asthma?

You may be at higher risk if you work in:

Baking or food manufacturing
Cleaning or janitorial roles
Spray painting or printing
Healthcare (especially when using latex)
Farming, agriculture, or animal care

What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?

Symptoms are similar to other types of asthma and may include [2]:

Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness

These symptoms often get worse during the working week and may improve when you're away from work, such as during weekends or holidays.

How is occupational asthma diagnosed?

A GP or specialist may:

Review your job history and symptoms
Perform lung function tests (like spirometry)
Carry out allergy or skin prick tests
Recommend peak flow monitoring at work and home

These help confirm whether your job is affecting your breathing [3].

What is the treatment for occupational asthma?

Preventer inhalers to reduce airway inflammation
Reliever inhalers to ease symptoms quickly
Advice on reducing or avoiding exposure to the trigger
Occupational health assessments to improve workplace safety

Can occupational asthma be prevented?

Yes, in many cases. Employers have a legal duty to protect workers. Prevention includes:

Using proper ventilation or extraction systems
Wearing protective equipment (e.g. masks)
Substituting harmful substances with safer alternatives
Getting regular workplace health checks

What should you do if you think your asthma is work-related?

If you notice symptoms linked to your job:

See your GP as soon as possible
Keep a diary of symptoms and working conditions
Talk to your employer or occupational health team
Do not ignore your symptoms – early action can prevent long-term damage

Key Takeaways

Occupational asthma is caused or made worse by substances you’re exposed to at work.
Common triggers include dust, fumes, chemicals, and animal allergens.
Symptoms often worsen during the working week and ease on days off.
Treatment includes asthma inhalers and avoiding the cause wherever possible.
Early diagnosis and changes at work can stop symptoms from getting worse.

Reminder: If you think your job is affecting your breathing, don’t wait. Speak to a healthcare professional and report the issue to your employer or occupational health team. Getting help early makes a big difference.

Sources

[1] Type of asthma - Asthma & Lung UK

[2] Francesca Rui, Marina Ruxandra Otelea, Anne Kristin Møller Fell, Sasho Stoleski, Dragan Mijakoski, Mathias Holm, Vivi Schlünssen, Francesca Larese Filon, Occupational Asthma: The Knowledge Needs for a Better Management, Annals of Work Exposures and Health, Volume 66, Issue 3, April 2022, Pages 287–290

[3] Lombardo LJ, Balmes JR. Occupational asthma: a review. Environ Health Perspect. 2000 Aug;108 Suppl 4(Suppl 4):697-704. doi: 10.1289/ehp.00108s4697. PMID: 10931788; PMCID: PMC1637677