Asthma and Work-related Asthma.ppt

Asthma and Work-related Asthma Developed by: Dana Hughes, RN, PhD Miners Hospital, University of Utah Libbey M. Chuy, MPH Asthma Program, Utah Department of Health Overview Asthma – What is it? Symptoms of asthma What is work-related asthma? How common is work-related asthma? What substances trigger asthma? How asthma is treated? Clues that suggest asthma may be work-related What YOU can do if you have asthma Asthma – What is It? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that obstructs airflow The obstruction is reversible It involves difficulty in breathing due to Inflammation (swelling) Mucus in the airways Tightening of muscles around the airways Symptoms of asthma Coughing Wheezing, a whistling sound Shortness of breath Chest tightness Sneezing runny nose Itchy and inflamed eyes What is work-related asthma? Pre-existing asthma that is triggered or made worse by exposure to one or more substances in the work-environment  OR  Asthma that is caused by exposure to substances in the work-environment   Signs and symptoms are the same for asthma and work-related asthma How common is asthma? About 20 million Americans currently have asthma About 8% of Utah adults have asthma Up to 20% of all adult asthma cases maybe work-related asthma Of those diagnosed with work-related asthma: 20-27% are individuals with pre-existing asthma who react to substances in the workplace Up to 80% develop asthma due to work-place exposures What substances trigger asthma? Can asthma be cured? Asthma can be controlled (but not cured) by: Avoiding triggers or reducing exposure to triggers Using medication to control symptoms Medications - generally two types are used Controller or long-term drugs Taken to prevent excess production of mucus to reduce the inflammation and constriction of airway muscles Rescue or quick-relief drugs Taken to relax muscles around the airways to improve breathing Poorly controlled asthma leads to: Increased visits to Doctor