Alternate Names: Occupational bronchitis

Causes and Risks: Exposure to dusts, fumes, strong acids, and other chemicals cause this type of bronchitis. Smoking is a contributing factor. A risk factor is occupational exposure to dusts such as asbestos, talc, silca, cotton, flax, and coal. Associated diseases include ocuupational asthma, chronic bronchitis, coal worker’s pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and asbestosis.

Prevention: Dust control in industrial settings (face masks, protective clothing, treatment of textiles) is essential. Stop smoking if you are at risk. Early screening by a physician is advisable for those at risk.

Symptoms:

• shortness of breath
• continuous cough producing sputum
• wheezing

Signs and Tests: A physical examination reveals wheezing.

Tests include:

• pulmonary function tests
• chest X-ray

Treatment: The objective of treatment is to avoid the causative irritant. Acute cases run their course and require no further treatment. If you are at risk and you smoke, stop smoking.

Supportive measures include rest, increased fluids, and humidified air to aid in removal of secretions from the airways.

Prognosis: The probable outcome is good as long as exposure to the irritant can be eliminated. Chronic disability from industrial bronchitis is rare.

Complications: The complications vary and are those of associated diseases. Occasionally industrial bronchitis progresses to permanent respiratory impairment such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pulmonary fibrosis.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are exposed to dusts, fumes, strong acids, or chemicals at work, and symptoms of bronchitis develop.