What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Airborne IIA
• Asthma from Airborne Irritants

What is Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma is a form of asthma that usually occurs in an occupational environment. It is typically caused by irritating dust and chemical vapors
• The condition causes a narrowing and swelling of the airways of the lung. This can result in shortness of breath and wheezing. In Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma, the symptoms are observed almost immediately on exposure to the substance; within a few minutes of exposure
• The treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent and the use of bronchodilators and prescription medications
• With early recognition and treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma, the prognosis is good. However, identifying and avoiding the offending substance is the most important step towards preventing Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma

Who gets Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma can affect any individual, at any age
• Both men and women are affected by this condition; though men may be at a higher risk due to the nature of their occupation (industry-related)
• No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed. Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma is observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk for Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma may include exposure to any of the following substances:

• Industrial chemical fumes and gases
• Exposure to ammonia and formaldehyde vapors
• Dust from an industrial setting such as from woodcutting or fiberglass cutting
• Tobacco smoke

Individuals in the following trades or profession are at an increased risk:

• Cooks and chefs
• Welders
• Glass blowers
• Factory or industrial workers
• Agriculture, farming
• Mining
• Construction workers
• Transportation
• Individuals working in the environmental services

Also, people living in highly polluted cities and towns (pollution that occurs due to dust, smoke, and other airborne particulate matter) have a high risk for the condition.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma? (Etiology)

• Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma is a type of irritant-induced asthma (IIA). Such a condition may typically take place in an industrial or occupational setup
• The condition occurs when the airways are inflamed and swollen from exposure to irritating dust and chemical vapors
• In many cases, continuous and repeated exposure to the harmful airborne particulate matter or allergens takes place
• The allergens could be organic dust, metal-based (fumes), wood-based, agriculture products related, industrial chemicals (organic and inorganic), microorganisms, etc.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma?

Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma signs and symptoms are normally observed right after exposure to the allergens/irritants. It may include the following:

• Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Tightness in the chest

Note: Not all individuals are affected by the same substance or to the same intensity.

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma would include:

• A complete evaluation of one’s medical history (including occupational history, nature of work) to learn about the source of the condition
• A thorough physical examination of the patient to observe the signs and symptoms with respect to the condition
• Complete blood count (CBC), other blood tests to determine the presence of antibodies to potential irritants
• Bronchial provocation test - allergy test for the airways
• Pulmonary function tests - to determine functioning of the lungs
• Allergy skin test
• Chest x-ray
• High-resolution CT scan of the lungs

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma?

The following complications may arise from Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma:

• Chronic exposure may lead to permanent cases of asthma
• High susceptibility to other lung and respiratory health conditions
• Other complications that are related to exposure of the body to toxic chemicals
• Absence from work, decreased productivity

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma Treated?

Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma may be managed through the following measures:

• Avoiding exposure to substances that are known airborne irritants of the lungs
• Bronchodilators (inhalers) can help improve the symptoms
• Prescription asthma-control medications

How can Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma be Prevented?

The following measures may be adopted to prevent Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma:

• Identification of substances that cause the irritation is the most important first step towards its prevention
• Avoid inhalation of the airborne irritant
• In case of an industrial exposure, use protective face masks or clothing
• Observe safety regulations while handling chemicals
• Enforcing governmental regulations on workplace safety and exposure to pollutants, chemicals, irritants, etc.
• Creating an awareness amongst the workers and employers of the potential harm from inhaled smoke, dust, and gases
• If the condition is due to an occupational exposure, then the nature of job-related tasks may be modified

What is the Prognosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma usually resolves, generally without any complications, if early treatment is provided and further exposure to the (allergic) airborne substance is stopped
• If the individual continues to get exposed to asthma-causing substances, the asthma will persist and the condition may even worsen
• Some symptoms may last for years, even after exposure to the irritant has stopped

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Airborne Irritant Induced Asthma:

• Occupational asthma is a narrowing and swelling of the airways of the lung, which is caused by exposure to substances found in the individual’s workplace. The most common substances that cause the condition include chemicals, fungi, wood dust, and grain dust

The following article link will help you understand occupational asthma:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/