Treatment of Occupational Asthma

How is Occupational Asthma Treated?

The treatments to relieve Occupational Asthma are in most cases the same as those used to control other types of asthma, as the disease is essentially the same. It is the context in which the sufferer develops the condition that makes the major difference between the two.

In some cases simply removing the sufferer from the irritant that causes the condition can be sufficient to get it under control, however in some cases this is not possible and so physical and medical remedies can be the best way forward.

Asthma Medication

Asthma medications can make the difference between life and death – and certainly have a profound effect on a sufferer’s quality of life. There are two main types of medication used in asthma treatment.

These are:

Steroids and Anti-inflammatory drugs – when these drugs are used, often by means of an inhaler, they can help to prevent asthma symptoms by reducing the swelling of the airways and helping to reduce the mucus production within the lungs. When successful these drugs help to keep the airways clear and reduce the lungs’ sensitivity and likelihood of reaction to certain asthma triggers.

Bronchodilators are drugs that relieve asthma symptoms by dilating (relaxing) the muscles that can tighten around the airways; this helps the airways to stay open, reducing the tightness in the chest and the shortness of breath that are common symptoms of the condition.

There are short-acting bronchodilator inhalers, commonly referred to as Rescue Inhalers, that quickly relieve the tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. These are generally to be used in emergency situations when an attack seems imminent and should not be used too frequently. These short-term approaches might include short-acting beta agonists or oral and intravenous corticosteroids.

Long-acting bronchodilators are often used in combination with inhaled steroids or corticosteroids to help control symptoms. You might also be offered Leukotriene modifiers, which are an alternative to corticosteroids, or long-acting beta agonists (LABAs); these open the airways and reduce inflammation – these are usually taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid. Another option is to use a Combination Inhaler that will contain an LABA and a corticosteroid.

Alternative Methods and Medicines

Many asthma sufferers find that alternative remedies can help to reduce their symptoms. While more research is needed to establish possible side-effects, particularly in people suffering from allergies and asthma, treatments such as working on Breathing Technique, using a variety of methods, has helped many sufferers improve their quality of life. Acupuncture – the traditional Chinese art of placing very thin needles in strategic points of the body – has been shown to help some people, while others remain sceptical about its effects.

Contact us today for free, no obligation advice regarding your work-related asthma claim – either by calling us free on 0800 122 3130, or by requesting a free call back, whereby one of our team will contact you at a time of your choice, to discuss your situation.

We’re here to help – contact us today.