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

• Bronchitis from Airborne Irritants

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

• Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis is a form of bronchitis that usually occurs in an occupational or industrial environment. It is typically caused by irritating dust, chemical vapors, and smoke
• The condition causes swelling of the bronchus (airway tract) of the lung and mucus built-up in the bronchial airways. This can result in longstanding cough, breathlessness, and associated symptoms
• The treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis involves the use of bronchodilators and prescription medications to alleviate the symptoms. A complete avoidance of the causative agent is also important
• With early recognition and treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis, the prognosis is good. However, identifying and avoiding the offending substance is the most important step towards preventing this form of bronchitis

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

• Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis can affect individuals of 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 Bronchitis is observed worldwide

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

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

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

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

• Welders
• Glass blowers
• Factory or industrial workers who are regularly exposed to gases and fumes
• Agriculture and farming
• Mining workers
• Construction workers
• Transportation workers
• Individuals working in the environmental services

Also, people living in highly polluted cities and towns (pollution 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 Bronchitis? (Etiology)

• Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis occurs when the airways are inflamed and swollen from exposure to irritating dust and chemical vapors. Even smokers have a high risk for the condition
• The accumulation of harmful substances leads to buildup of mucosa and clogging of the airways, thereby restricting the easy flow of inhaled and exhaled air
• In many cases, continuous and repeated exposure to the harmful airborne particulate matter or allergens takes place. Such an exposure is typically seen in an industrial or occupational setup
• The irritants could be organic dust, metal-based and wood-based fumes, agriculture product related dust particles, industrial chemicals (organic and inorganic), etc.

Industrial bronchitis is a type of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis.

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

The signs and symptoms of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis may include the following:

• Cough with sputum, which can last for a long duration
• Shortness of breath; breathing causing severe exertion and chest pain
• Fatigue
• Nose block
• Sore throat
• Headache and fever

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis 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) and other blood tests to determine the presence of antibodies to potential irritants
• Chest X-ray
• Bronchial provocation test - methacholine inhalation test for the airways
• Pulmonary function tests, to determine functioning of the lungs
• Allergy skin test

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 Bronchitis?

Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis could lead to the following complications:

• Allergic rhinitis (nasal congestion), sinus infections, and ear infections
• Cyanosis due to deficient oxygen in blood
• Chronic exposure to airborne irritants may lead to chronic bronchitis/cough symptoms
• High susceptibility to other lung and respiratory health conditions
• Permanent lung damage if the exposure continues for prolonged periods
• Other complications that are related to exposure of the body to toxic chemicals
• Absence from work, decreased productivity, and a poor quality of life

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis Treated?

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

• Avoiding exposure to substances that are known airborne irritants
• Bronchodilators (inhalers) can help improve the symptoms
• Prescription medications for symptoms
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Adequate bed rest

How can Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis be Prevented?

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

• Identification and avoidance of substances that cause the irritation of the lungs is the first and foremost preventive step to be considered
• 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
• Use of better air ventilation systems at the workplace
• If the condition is due to an occupational exposure, then the occupation or job-related tasks or habits may have to be modified
• Cessation of smoking: Smoking can aggravate the condition, especially if one is already being exposed to industrial dusts and vapors

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

• The prognosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis is generally good with early intervention and treatment, including prevention of further exposure to the (allergic) airborne substance
• If the individual continues to get exposed to the airborne irritants, then it may result in chronic bronchitis and cause permanent lung damage

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Airborne Irritant Induced Bronchitis:

• 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/