At a glance
The two most important factors for managing work-related asthma are avoiding environmental triggers and medically controlling clinical symptoms. This page provides guidance on treatment options.
Treatment
Avoid allergens and irritants
Reduce occupational and environmental exposures. Reduce occupational and environmental exposures to allergens, irritants, and physical conditions known to worsen asthma symptoms.
Smoking cessation. If relevant, initiate a smoking cessation program. Smoking has been associated with difficulty controlling asthma.
Refer to a specialist. Consider referring to a pulmonary, allergy, or occupational medicine specialist to further test and identify work-related exposures.
Work modification or restrictions
Eliminate exposures. Eliminating exposures is the best approach for workers with work-related asthma. Reducing exposures by using workplace controls may also benefit workers.
Individualized management plan. For some workers, an individualized management plan is required. This depends on medical findings and response to reducing allergens and irritants. An example includes assigning an affected employee to a different location away from triggers.
Medication
The provides a stepwise approach to pharmacologic therapy. Also, immunizations such as pneumococcal and annual influenza vaccines are recommended.
Workplace assessment
Review copies of the Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These sheets can help identify potential work-related asthma triggers. The employer should be able to provide copies. The Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics has a to help healthcare providers determine if substances are known asthmagens.
Contact employee/occupational health or an industrial hygiene specialist. Conduct workplace assessments for potential allergens, irritants, and harmful physical conditions.
Discuss NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program with patients. This program offers free and confidential assistance with identifying worksite asthma triggers.
