ASTHMA

1. Occupational
Asthma
 SHAHRUKH AHAMD R. Alanzi
 Medical Student, Al-Imam University
 Riyadh – Saudi Arabia

2. Definition
Asthma is a chronic reversible inflammatory
disorder of the airways that causes recurrent
episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and
cough.

3. Types
Extrinsic Intrinsic
Work-Related
Asthma
Asthma

4. Occupational
Asthma
Work-
Aggravated
Asthma

5. Irritant-Induced
Allergic-Induced
(Vast Majority)
Specific Antigen Any irritant
24 hours after
exposure
Latency period after
exposure
PPE often insufficient
to control symptoms
PPE often effective in
preventing episodes
Medical removal
usually necessary
Medical removal
the last resort

6. Pathophysiology
 Extrinsic Asthma :
oMediated by type I hypersensitivity reaction
oInduction of TH2 CD4+ response is
fundamental to the pathogenesis to bronchial
asthma
oIgE ,mast cells ,and eosinophils are key player
in mediating it

7. Agents
http://www.occupationalasthma.com/occupational_asthma_pageview.aspx?id=97
Figure, Comparison of the percentage of patients exposed to the top five agents in
2006 to those exposed in 2005-2002.

8. Agents
A B C D E
16% 15.8% 10.5% 9%
A. Metal Working Fluid
B. Isocyanates
C. Cleaning Agents
D. Carpets
7%
E. Flour

9. Signs & Symptoms
o Wheezing
o Coughing
o Shortness of breath
o Chest tightness
o Rhinorrhea
o Nasal congestion
o Eye irritation and tearing

10. Diagnosis
1. Confirm asthma
Pulmonary function test (Spirometry)
2. Assess Exposure
3. Assess relation between asthma and the
workplace
4. Immunological tests

11. Management
Limiting exposure to relevant environmental
allergens and nonoccupational irritants such
as tobacco smoke.
:
short-acting bronchodilators with rapid onset of
action that provide acute relief of symptoms.
drugs with anti-inflammatory and/or a
sustained (long-acting) bronchodilator action

12. Thank You
d0pa@hotmail.com
@AbdulazizEnazi
http://imamu.academia.edu/AbdulazizAlanzi