Occupational asthma

Physicians should advise working patients who have developed asthma that workplace exposures can cause asthma in some patients. Lung Health Foundation: work-related asthma Opens in new window

Those with a history consistent with occupational asthma (OA) should be advised to request information on work exposures for review, such as material safety data sheets (a note from the physician may assist with this).

During investigations of possible sensitiser-induced OA, patients should be carefully instructed in use of a peak flow metre and the recording of results 4 times each day over several weeks at home and work, preferably including a holiday period off work. They should also record symptoms, exposures, and rescue bronchodilator use 4 times a day in a diary.

Patients should be advised that if asthma symptoms are exacerbated (with poor improvement after use of their rescue bronchodilator inhaler), they should seek immediate medical attention. If this happens at work they should leave work at that time until they are medically assessed.

Patients with suspected OA should be advised as to the work implications and advised concerning workers' compensation claims.

It may be appropriate to discuss the possible effects of the causative exposure on co-workers with the patient, and to request any necessary permission to contact a regulatory body or company physician.