Medical Encyclopedia

 

Medical Encyclopedia

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Industrial bronchitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Bronchitis
Bronchitis
Lung anatomy
Lung anatomy
Bronchitis and Normal Condition in Tertiary Bronchus
Bronchitis and Normal Condition in Tertiary Bronchus
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Occupational bronchitis

Definition    Return to top

Industrial bronchitis is swelling (inflammation) of the large airways of the lungs that occurs in some people who work around certain dusts, fumes, smoke, or other substances.

See also:

Causes    Return to top

Exposure to dusts, fumes, strong acids, and other chemicals in the air causes this type of bronchitis. Smoking may also contribute.

You may be at risk if you are exposed to dusts such as:

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The health care provider will listen to the lungs using a stethoscope. Wheezing sounds may be heard.

Tests include:

Treatment    Return to top

The purpose of treatment is to reduce the irritation.

Getting more air into the workplace or wearing masks to filter out the offending air particles may help. Some cases of industrial bronchitis go away without treatment. Other times, a person may need inhaled anti-inflammatory medications.

If you are at risk or have experienced this problem and you smoke, stop smoking.

Supportive measures include:

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome may be good as long as you can stop being exposed to the irritant. Chronic disability from industrial bronchitis is rare.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Continued exposure to irritating gases, fumes, or other substances could lead to permanent lung damage.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you are regularly exposed to dusts, fumes, strong acids, or other chemicals that can affect the lungs and you develop symptoms of bronchitis.

Prevention    Return to top

Control dust in industrial settings by wearing face masks and protective clothing, and treating textiles. Stop smoking if you are at risk.

Get early screening by a doctor if you are exposed to chemicals that can cause this condition.

References    Return to top

Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2008.

Update Date: 4/24/2009

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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