Question 1

What is Occupational Asthma?

Accepted Answer

Occupational asthma is a respiratory condition triggered by inhaling allergens or irritants in the workplace. It is caused by immune system sensitization to specific workplace substances such as animal proteins, latex, wood dust, or chemical fumes. The Chicken Droppings (e218) IgE test is the most important test for workers exposed to poultry environments because it directly measures allergic sensitization.

Question 2

What causes occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

Occupational asthma is caused by inhaling allergens or irritating substances at work that trigger an immune system response in the airways. Common workplace triggers include animal proteins from laboratory animals or poultry, flour dust in bakeries, latex in healthcare settings, wood dust in carpentry, chemical fumes from spray paints or adhesives, and metals like platinum or chromium. When you breathe in these substances repeatedly, your immune system can become sensitized and produce IgE antibodies, leading to airway inflammation and asthma symptoms that improve when you are away from work and worsen when you return.

Question 3

What is the best test for occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

The Chicken Droppings (e218) IgE test is the most important test for occupational asthma in workers exposed to poultry environments because it directly measures IgE antibodies to avian proteins that trigger allergic reactions. For workers in laboratories, research facilities, or pest control, the Respiratory Allergy Profile Region XVIII: Alaska is essential because it detects sensitization to mouse urine proteins and other workplace allergens. These blood tests identify which specific workplace substances your immune system has become allergic to, helping confirm the link between your job and your breathing problems. While occupational asthma diagnosis also requires pulmonary function testing and work history evaluation, IgE blood tests pinpoint the exact allergens causing your symptoms.

Question 4

When should I get tested for occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath that gets worse during your work week and improves on weekends or vacations. Get tested if you work with animals, flour, chemicals, wood dust, or latex and have developed new breathing problems since starting your job. Testing is also important if your asthma symptoms started in adulthood after beginning a new job or if coworkers in the same environment have developed similar respiratory issues. Early testing helps identify workplace allergens before permanent lung damage occurs and allows you to take protective measures or consider workplace modifications.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

Occupational asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and persistent coughing that typically worsen during work hours and improve when away from the workplace. You might notice your symptoms start several hours after beginning your shift or develop gradually throughout the workday. Many people experience nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation before respiratory symptoms appear. The hallmark sign is that symptoms improve on weekends, holidays, or vacations and return when you go back to work, creating a clear pattern linked to workplace exposure.

Question 6

Who is at risk for occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

Workers in certain industries face higher risk for occupational asthma, including healthcare workers exposed to latex and cleaning chemicals, laboratory workers handling animals, bakers and food processors exposed to flour and grain dust, and poultry or farm workers around animal proteins. Painters, auto body workers, woodworkers, and manufacturing employees who work with chemicals, adhesives, or metal fumes are also at increased risk. People with a personal or family history of allergies, eczema, or hay fever have greater susceptibility to developing occupational asthma when exposed to workplace allergens. Smokers and those who started working with sensitizing agents at a young age also face elevated risk.

Question 7

What happens if occupational asthma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated occupational asthma can lead to permanent lung damage and chronic asthma that persists even after you leave the job that caused it. Continued exposure to workplace allergens causes progressive airway inflammation and remodeling, resulting in irreversible breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. You may develop increasingly severe asthma attacks requiring emergency care or hospitalization. The longer you continue working with the triggering substance without treatment or protection, the worse your prognosis becomes. Early identification and removal from exposure or proper protective measures are crucial to prevent permanent respiratory impairment that can affect your quality of life and ability to work in any environment.

Question 8

Can occupational asthma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose occupational asthma by themselves, but they play a crucial supporting role in identifying which workplace allergens are triggering your immune system. IgE antibody tests measure your body's allergic response to specific substances like chicken droppings, mouse urine proteins, or other occupational allergens. Positive results confirm sensitization to workplace exposures and help establish the connection between your job and your symptoms. A complete diagnosis requires combining blood test results with pulmonary function testing that shows airway obstruction, a detailed occupational history linking symptoms to work exposure, and sometimes specialized breathing tests performed at work and away from work to demonstrate the pattern of symptoms.

Question 9

How is occupational asthma treated?

Accepted Answer

The most effective treatment for occupational asthma is eliminating or minimizing exposure to the triggering workplace substance through job modification, improved ventilation, or wearing proper respiratory protection. Your doctor may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation and bronchodilators to relieve breathing difficulties and prevent symptoms. For some people, relocation to a different area of the workplace or changing jobs entirely becomes necessary to prevent permanent lung damage. Allergy medications like antihistamines may help control associated nasal and eye symptoms. Regular monitoring with pulmonary function tests ensures your treatment is working and helps catch any worsening of lung function early before irreversible damage occurs.

Question 10

How can I prevent occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

Preventing occupational asthma starts with identifying potential workplace allergens and using proper protective equipment like respirators, masks, or ventilation systems to minimize exposure. Employers should provide adequate ventilation, enclose processes that generate dust or fumes, and substitute less hazardous materials when possible. Practice good workplace hygiene by washing hands and face before breaks, changing work clothes before going home, and avoiding eating in areas with chemical or dust exposure. If you have allergies or asthma, inform your employer and occupational health provider so they can monitor your lung function regularly. Early detection through workplace health surveillance programs allows for intervention before permanent damage occurs.

Question 11

What can I do at home for occupational asthma?

Accepted Answer

At home, keep a symptom diary tracking when your breathing problems occur to help identify the workplace connection and monitor improvement away from work. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your bedroom to reduce allergen exposure during recovery time. Take prescribed medications consistently, even when feeling better, to maintain airway protection. Practice breathing exercises and gentle physical activity on days off to strengthen respiratory muscles and improve lung capacity. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which worsen airway inflammation and make occupational asthma harder to control. Change out of work clothes immediately when arriving home and shower to remove any workplace allergens from your skin and hair before they spread through your living space.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Occupational Asthma Blood Test

What is Occupational Asthma?

What causes occupational asthma?

What is the best test for occupational asthma?

When should I get tested for occupational asthma?

References

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