Irritant-Induced Asthma: A Literature Review

Abstract

One of occupational illnesses is irritant-induced asthma (IIA), which IIA is a phenotype of asthma caused by the inhalation of irritant agents. The incidence of IIA is reported as 5-18% of occupational asthma cases. In some cases, it is challenging to differentiate IIA from work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) because no specific diagnostic tests can determine whether a person has asthma caused by exposure to irritants. In any case of suspected IIA, the diagnosis of asthma should be confirmed by spirometry demonstrating airflow limitation with significant bronchodilator response or nonspecific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBHR) to methacholine/histamine. IIA Management is similar to asthma management, including bronchodilator therapy and inhaled and/or systemic corticosteroids. Several studies recommend treating asthma in adults and adolescents with short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), adding a controller in the form of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as needed to reduce the risk of severe exacerbations and to control symptoms. This type of controller can be given regularly every day, or ICS-formoterol can be given as needed to relieve symptoms in mild asthma. Prevention that can be done at IIA includes health promotion, special protection, early diagnosis and early treatment, limitation of disabilities, and rehabilitation. Keywords: Asthma, Bronchodilator, Health risk, Irritant exposure, Irritant-induced asthma, Occupational illness