Disorders Similar to Work-Related Asthma
Disorder | Features |
|---|---|
Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome | New-onset asthma symptoms occur after an acute high level irritant exposure. Airway inflammation occurs after overexposure to irritating substances such as chlorine, ammonia, cleaning products, and combustion products. |
Reactive upper airways syndrome | Irritation of the lining of the nose and the throat occurs after either sudden or long-term exposure to irritants. People develop symptoms such as a runny nose, burning of the nose and throat, and hoarseness. |
Irritant-associated vocal cord dysfunction | Abnormal closure of the vocal cords occurs. People may gasp or make whistling sounds and have hoarseness or trouble speaking. |
Industrial bronchitis (irritant-induced chronic bronchitis) | Cough and phlegm occur after chronic exposure to dusts and fumes. |