Suffer from asthma attacks at work? Here's what you should do

Admiring that new air freshener sprayed enthusiastically by the housekeeping staff in the office may be a routine thing for most of us. But if you are allergic to that and prone to an asthma attack, that whiff can spell trouble.

Yes, asthma attacks at workplaces are more common than we think. According to Asthma UK, one in 10 cases of asthma in adults is caused by work-related factors.
"Asthma at workplaces could majorly be triggered by the environmental conditions and also the presence of allergens. These allergens can be airborne and found in areas that are wet, dusty or extremely cold," said Dr Ravindra Mehta, chief of pulmonology and critical care at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. Asthma can also be triggered by the smoke of tobacco, strong odours from perfumes, cleansers, air deodorisers and paints, he added.

According to Dr Prakruthi AS, consultant physician at Prakruthi Ayurvedic Centre, Bengaluru, most asthma cases in adults are work-related and bronchial asthma is a common occupational disease.

People in some professions are more prone to attacks than others.Spray painters, bakers, those who process food, nurses, chemical workers, hair dressers, timber workers, welders and those who work with animals are some examples.

"There are nearly 100 workplace triggers of asthma," said Dr KS Satish, senior pulmonologist, Vikram Hospital, Bengaluru.

Allergens and irritants need not be only in the air. "The presence of thick upholstery or carpets can host dust termites which can majorly trigger the condition among patients," said Mehta.

He added that asthma could also be a result of infections in the workplace where the virus is spread easily owing to the confined surroundings.

What can you do about it if you know that you are prone to asthma attacks?

For people who have asthma and are prone to attacks, prevention is the key, said Mehta. Avoid unusual dust and allergen exposure, and take precaution while riding two-wheelers especially with rising pollution, he advised. Patients who have a proven history of asthma can take specific measures like using masks or handkerchiefs that can easily protect them from the irritants. They should form an 'asthma action plan' with their doctors and implement it in time at all stages.This would include using inhalers and other medications as needed, Mehta said.



(Image: BCCL)


"First of all, patients should be aware of workplace asthma triggers and consult a specialist to diagnose workplace asthma," said Satish.Once confirmed, the person can change the workplace which is triggering the attack or relocate the job.Preventive inhalers can be used till the relocation happens.

Make healthy food intake a habit, advised Prakruthi. "Choose foods which have immune-modular, anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory actions," she said. Some easily available ones are gooseberry and turmeric. She prescribed keeping the airway clean by practising breathing exercises regularly .

Workers can also use air filters at their workplaces. If the attacks are severe and frequent, a change in occupation could be considered, she said.


(Image: BCCL)

While that could be the last resort, employers too can turn sensitive and step in to meet their employees' needs. "Organisations can put in place safety mechanisms which ensure the minimal presence of allergens and thereby prevent workers from being susceptible to attacks," Mehta said.

There should be a mechanism in place to ensure cleanliness, and allergen and dust prevention. Air ducts should be cleaned professionally at regular intervals to avoid accumulation of dust in air-conditioning systems. Employers should also spread awareness on dust allergy and encourage infected individuals to avoid coming to the workplace, he said.

According to Satish, "employers can replace (problem-causing) substances with less harmful ones, provide proper ventilation and enclosures, educate workers and ensure good house-keeping and proper handling procedures".



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