Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma affects up to 20% of people with asthma, and is probably underdiagnosed. Asthma may be induced by occupational exposure to a number of chemicals or allergens, such as isocyanates in spray-painting workshops, laboratory animals, and latex gloves in healthcare facilities.

Consider occupational asthma in all patients with adult-onset asthma, and in patients with pre-existing asthma whose symptoms worsen with workplace exposures. Ask patients whether asthma symptoms improve on days away from work or during holidays; if so, prioritise early referral for further investigation.

The risk of developing occupational asthma may be reduced by avoiding workplace exposure to known sensitisers.

For further information about occupational asthma, see the National Asthma Council website.