Occupational asthma
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SUMMARY OF PRACTICE POINTS
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| Consider the diagnosis of occupational asthma in all new cases of adult-onset asthma, because early diagnosis and avoidance of exposure is associated with the best prognosis. |
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| In people with high-risk occupations, the presence of new-onset rhinitis is associated with increased risk for occupational asthma. |
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| Consistent improvement in asthma symptoms outside the work environment is a good indicator of occupational asthma. |
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| Suspected cases of occupational asthma should be investigated by serial lung function measurements analysed by a validated method. |
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| Serial PEF testing cannot reliably rule out the diagnosis of occupational asthma. |
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| With continued exposure to the causal agent in the workplace, occupational asthma is unlikely to improve and may worsen. |
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Occupational asthma accounts for up to 15% of all adult-onset asthma.1 It is the most commonly reported occupational respiratory disorder in westernized industrial countries.2,3
Generally, occupational asthma has a poor prognosis and is likely to persist and deteriorate unless identified and managed early and effectively. Where feasible, early referral to a respiratory physician gives patients the best chance of good control or cure.1 Alternatively, referral to an occupational health physician might be appropriate for some patients. Where specialist services are not readily accessible, GPs can investigate and manage suspected occupational asthma effectively by:
- being aware of high-risk occupations
- taking a very careful history, looking for links between onset of symptoms and occupation-related exposure to potential causal agents
- understanding that the general principles of pharmacotherapy for asthma apply also to occupational asthma. See Principles of drug therapy.
Accurate diagnosis and documentation are essential to support a potential Workers Compensation claim. This would normally require specialist reports. For more information, including details of occupational asthma surveillance schemes in states and territories, contact the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
Content Created (Thursday, 16 November 2006)
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 May 2007 )
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Occupational asthma 
