Workers in these industries and others, including farmers, hairdressers, and those who work in the garment industries are at risk for asthma.
Preventing Occupational Asthma. In people whose asthma is caused by workplace conditions, improved ventilation or face masks may help.
Sometimes, however, even low levels of chemical substances can trigger an asthma attack. In such cases, leaving the job is the only way to prevent the condition from getting worse. Because such a step can be emotionally and financially threatening, workers should be sure that occupational substances are the cause of the asthma by having a complete check-up by a lung specialist.
If the diagnosis of occupational asthma is certain, patients should obtain advice on available compensation plans for disability. The effects of workplace asthma can be permanent. However, in one study, 70% of people with asthma experienced significant improvement in symptoms after leaving the job.
Medications for Treating Seasonal Allergies
Patients with chronic allergic rhinitis may require daily medications. Patients with severe seasonal allergies may be advised to start medications a few weeks before the pollen season, and to continue it until the season is over. Effective medications include the following:
- Anti-inflammatory Drugs. Nasal corticosteroids are now considered to be the most effective measure for preventing allergy attacks. Comparison studies are reporting that nasal steroid sprays are more effective than the second generation antihistamines loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec). Leukotriene-antagonists and nasal cromolyn may be beneficial in specific cases of allergies.
- Antihistamines. A 2002 study reported that infants with allergies who were given the antihistamine cetirizine (Zyrtec) were less likely to develop asthma later on.
- Allergen immunotherapy ("allergy shots"). Immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots, may help reduce asthma symptoms, and the use of asthma medications, in patients with known allergies. They may also help prevent the development of asthma in children with allergies. Immunotherapy does pose some risk for severe allergic reactions, especially for children with poorly controlled asthma, so it is important that the doctor carefully evaluates the patient's asthma condition.
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