Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Work-related asthma.
Lavinia Clara Del Roio1, Rafael Futoshi Mizutani2, Regina Carvalho Pinto3
1. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Pneumologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo - FMUSP - São Paulo (SP) Brasil.
Work-related asthma (WRA), including occupational asthma (OA) and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA), affects many adults. Early diagnosis and management are crucial for preventing symptom worsening and further workplace exposures.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Work-related asthma (WRA) is a significant public health concern in adults.
- WRA encompasses occupational asthma (OA) from workplace exposures and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) where existing asthma worsens due to work conditions.
- Prevalence estimates indicate OA affects 16.0% and WEA affects 21.5% of adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the different types of WRA.
- To describe diagnostic procedures, treatment, and prevention strategies for WRA.
- To outline approaches for effective patient management.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- It synthesizes information on WRA types, diagnosis, and management.
- Literature review on chemical exposures and adult-onset asthma.
Main Results:
- Distinguishing between OA and WEA can be challenging.
- Chemical exposures are increasingly linked to adult-onset asthma.
- Effective management requires accurate diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of OA (sensitizer-/irritant-induced) or WEA is essential.
- Early diagnosis and treatment prevent symptom exacerbation.
- Preventing further worker exposure and providing counseling are key management components.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
First, in...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:

