Work-Aggravated Asthma in the Workplace Due to Environmental Exposure: A Case Report

Abstract

Work-aggravated asthma is an important and common subtype of work-related asthma. Air pollutants in the workplace are important risk factors for triggering asthma symptoms. Air pollutants can be caused by the operating conditions of the work process, as well as by indoor and outdoor air pollution. In this study, a case of work-aggravated asthma is discussed. An office worker, who had been following up with a diagnosis of asthma for 6 years, was diagnosed with work-aggravated asthma. The reason underlying this diagnosis was the smoke and dust from nearby factories as well as the antiseptic substances used in the workplace. Following the diagnosis, the patient’s workplace was changed by the management. After such change, the patient’s symptoms have relieved and she needed less inhaler therapy than before. In summary, work-aggravated asthma can be exacerbated by factors in the workplace environment. Hence, the workplace environment should also be carefully questioned while assessing the risk factors at work.