Asthma And Your Workplace

Overview

Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. In a person with asthma, these airways can become swollen, narrow, and extra sensitive. When you come into contact with something that irritates your airways — a workplace trigger, for example — they can tighten and make it hard to breathe. With the right care and support, most people with asthma can work safely and well.

Yes. Asthma is one of the most common long-term health conditions in the world. In the UK, it affects millions of people, and many of them are adults of working age.

Asthma can start at any age. It can affect people who have had asthma since childhood, and it can also develop for the first time during adult working years. Some jobs have higher risks because of the substances people breathe in at work.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Coughing, especially at night, early morning, or after exercise
• Symptoms that come and go, often worse at work or after work

Symptoms in children

• Coughing that gets worse at night or during play
• Breathing faster than usual or using extra effort to breathe
• Tiredness or avoiding physical activities
• Complaining that their chest feels funny or hurts

Symptoms in older adults

• Breathlessness during everyday activities like climbing stairs
• A persistent cough that may be mistaken for a smoker's cough or ageing
• Fatigue and reduced energy
• Wheezing or chest tightness, especially after infections or exposure to triggers

Causes

Main causes

• Inflammation and swelling inside the airways, making them narrow
• Extra mucus and muscle tightening around the airways
• Sensitivity to triggers such as dust, fumes, gases, chemicals, mould, cold air, or strong smells
• In some people, the body’s immune system overreacts to harmless substances and causes airway irritation

Risk factors

• Already having asthma, eczema, or allergies
• Smoking or breathing in second-hand smoke
• Working in jobs with dusts, chemicals, paints, cleaning agents, flour or grain dust, wood dust, or metal fumes
• Poor ventilation at work or not having the right protective equipment
• Stressful working conditions or high physical demands
• A family history of asthma or allergy

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have asthma symptoms that are getting worse day by day
• If your inhaler is not lasting as long or helping as much as usual
• If you have sudden, severe breathlessness or chest tightness
• If you had to miss work because you could not breathe properly

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you think work is making your asthma worse
• For a regular asthma review, at least once a year
• If you need help creating or updating an asthma action plan
• If you need support talking to your employer about adjustments

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, your health history, and your work. They will want to know whether your symptoms are better on days off and holidays, and whether they come back when you return to work. This pattern is very helpful in spotting work-related asthma.

Tests that may be done

• Lung function tests, such as spirometry, which measure how much air you can breathe out and how fast
• Peak flow monitoring, where you blow into a small handheld meter several times a day to track changes
• Tests to check for allergies, if triggers are not obvious
• A careful review of your job tasks, the substances you work with, and any protective equipment used

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms and peak flow readings for a few weeks, both at work and away from work. This helps build a clear picture. In some cases, you may be referred for more detailed tests with a specialist.

Treatment

Treatment for asthma aims to control the inflammation in your airways, prevent symptoms, and keep you well enough to work and live normally. It usually involves using inhalers correctly, avoiding triggers, and reviewing your plan regularly. Work-related asthma also benefits from reducing or removing the trigger at work.

Self-care at home

• Follow your written asthma action plan and keep it updated with your healthcare provider
• Take your daily preventer inhaler exactly as prescribed, even when you feel well
• Carry your quick-relief inhaler with you at work and on your commute
• Use protective equipment at work, such as masks or respirators, if your employer provides them
• Take regular breaks and use a clean, well-ventilated area for rest
• Track your peak flow readings, especially when symptoms change
• Let your employer or occupational health team know about your asthma so they can help reduce risks

Medical treatments

Medicines for asthma are usually given through inhalers. Some inhalers are used every day to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms, while others are used only when symptoms happen to open the airways quickly. Your healthcare provider will decide the right type and strength for you, and they may adjust it at reviews. If inhalers are not enough, other treatments can be discussed with a specialist, but these are chosen carefully based on your individual situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not a normal treatment for asthma. If you have another condition that makes your asthma worse, such as severe acid reflux or nasal polyps, surgery for that condition may be considered. Your specialist will explain whether any procedure could help in your case.

Living with this condition

Living well with asthma at work means being prepared. Know your triggers, keep your inhalers nearby, and tell people you trust how to help if symptoms suddenly get worse. Talk to your manager or human resources team about reasonable adjustments, such as different tasks, better ventilation, or access to a clean break room.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, get support to quit — it is one of the best things you can do for your lungs
• Keep as active as your asthma allows; regular activity strengthens your lungs
• Aim for a healthy weight to reduce strain on your breathing
• Manage stress with deep breathing, relaxation, or mindfulness
• Get enough sleep and treat any symptoms that disturb your sleep
• Avoid strong perfumes, smoke, and other irritants outside work too

Diet and exercise

No special diet cures asthma, but a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods supports overall lung health. Regular exercise is good for people with asthma, especially if a proper warm-up is used and symptoms are well controlled. If exercise triggers your symptoms, talk to your healthcare team about how to manage this safely.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with asthma can sometimes cause anxiety, especially if you worry about having an attack at work. Daily breathlessness can also be stressful and draining. It is normal to feel this way, but you do not have to manage alone — tell your GP or asthma nurse how you are feeling. They can offer support and, if needed, connect you with mental health services.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent asthma from developing, but you can often prevent asthma symptoms and attacks at work. This means controlling your asthma with treatment, avoiding or reducing exposure to triggers, using protective equipment, and making sure your workplace has good ventilation and safe systems.

Vaccines

Respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 can trigger asthma flare-ups. Keep your vaccinations up to date as recommended by your local health service, and ask your healthcare provider what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for asthma for everyone. However, if you work in a job with substances that can harm the lungs, your employer may offer regular health checks or lung function screening. If you have symptoms, you should be assessed even if no screening is offered.

Complications

If left untreated

• Frequent asthma attacks that interfere with work, sleep, and daily life
• Emergency hospital visits for severe breathing problems
• Long-term narrowing or permanent changes in the airways
• Time off work and difficulty keeping a job
• Anxiety and fear of physical activity
• Life-threatening asthma in severe cases

Long-term outlook

With good medical care and a sensible approach at work, the outlook for asthma is often very positive. Many people continue to enjoy full careers, active lives, and good health. Once you and your healthcare team identify your triggers and find a treatment plan that works, symptoms can usually be well controlled — and that makes a real difference.

Find support

International organisations

• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ↗
• Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) ↗

Local organisations

• Asthma + Lung UK ↗ · United Kingdom

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