Symptoms

Occupational asthma symptoms are similar to those caused by other types of asthma. Signs and symptoms may include:

• Wheezing, sometimes just at night
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

Other possible accompanying signs and symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Eye irritation and tearing

Occupational asthma symptoms depend on the substance you're exposed to, how long and how often you're exposed, and other factors. Your symptoms may:

• Get worse as the workweek progresses, go away during weekends and vacations, and recur when you return to work.
• Occur both at work and away from work.
• Start as soon as you're exposed to an asthma-inducing substance at work or only after a period of regular exposure to the substance.
• Continue after exposure is stopped. The longer you're exposed to the asthma-causing substance, the more likely you'll have long-lasting or permanent asthma symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical treatment if your symptoms worsen. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of an asthma attack that needs emergency treatment include:

• Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
• No improvement even after using a quick relief inhaler
• Shortness of breath even with minimal activity

Make an appointment to see a doctor if you have breathing problems, such as coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Breathing problems may be a sign of asthma, especially if symptoms seem to be getting worse over time or appear to be aggravated by specific triggers or irritants.