| a is a condition in which a person's airways | | | | ventilation is one of the most important factors. If |
| become constricted to the point where air is | | | | the exposure to the potential triggers can be |
| unable to pass through easily. This causes a | | | | minimized - or avoided altogether - the problem |
| reduction in the amount of air they can take in, | | | | can be avoided in the first place. |
| which in turn can lead to a number of other | | | | Proper protective equipment is also important. |
| problems. Occupational asthma is brought on by | | | | This can include breathing equipment and other |
| environmental conditions in a person's occupation | | | | protective clothing which can help to avoid contact |
| or workplace. | | | | with the triggers, again helping to avoid the |
| Some of the most common asthma triggers | | | | problem in the first place. |
| found in the workplace include vapors, fumes, | | | | In most cases this equipment should be supplied |
| dust and mists. Exposure to these things can | | | | by the employer, but if they don't provide |
| cause asthma-like symptoms, which can develop | | | | adequate equipment it is worth the money you |
| into full-blown asthma if left untreated - even if | | | | might spend to buy it yourself, considering the |
| the person has never had any sort of asthma | | | | alternative. |
| problem in the past. | | | | Because occupational asthma can develop over a |
| For those who already suffer from asthma, | | | | period of time, it is often too late to avoid it once |
| workplace conditions can make the problem much | | | | the symptoms appear. Being proactive about |
| more severe and lead to further complications in | | | | protecting oneself against the potential allergens |
| the long term. | | | | and triggers in the workplace, while perhaps |
| There are steps that can be taken to minimize or | | | | requiring a bit more effort, will be well worth the |
| avoid occupational asthma entirely. Proper | | | | additional work in the long run. |