Occupational asthma

Alternative names:

asthma - occupational exposure

Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to limit exposure to the causative agent and improve symptoms with bronchodilator therapy. Medications include hand held inhalers or nebulizer to deliver bronchodilators (Proventil, Alupent, Bronkosol, and others). Other therapies for bronchial asthma may be added for more severe cases.

Support groups:

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See asthma and allergy - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome for people with asthma in general is good, but symptoms may persist for years after work place exposure has been eliminated.

Complications:

• increased risk of respiratory infections

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if signs of occupational asthma develop.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have occupational asthma and signs of respiratory infection, or other new symptoms, develop.

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