Occupational asthma and some important things you should know to prevent this condition at your workplace

A sthma is a chronic respiratory disease, which is characterised by a reversible airflow obstruction as a result of swelling and increased contractibility of the smooth muscles surrounding the small airways.

The typical symptoms of asthma may include recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Sputum may also be produced. Such symptoms are usually worse at night or early in the morning before heading to work, in response to strenuous physical activity or exposure to cold weather, especially during winter time.

The occurrence of asthma has increased significantly, especially in developed countries. In fact, it is estimated that 235300 million people globally are diagnosed with this condition every year – the majority of whom are youngsters. A curious fact is that asthma attacks are commoner in adult females as opposed to males.

The cause of asthma is not yet known, however, a combination of genetic and environmental factors are thought to be major contributors in the manifestation of this common disease. Smoking is also associated with a greater risk of asthma-like symptoms; hence it is recommended that it is avoided. Psychological stress attributable to one's personal or work life, may also be a causative factor, for stress alters the immune system and thus increases the airway inflammatory response to allergens and irritants.

It is important for employers to be aware that asthma attacks can generally be prevented if the sufferers avoid exposure to any potential allergens and irritants, which may include air pollution, tobacco smoke, animal dander, dust mites, pollen, sulfite-containing foods, as well as strong chemicals such as perfumes, spray paint, latex and aldehydes. The right personal protective equipment (PPE) should also be worn according to defined health and safety protocols. Should trigger-avoidance be insufficient, the use of regular, prescribed medication is advised.

There are several high risk positions that are more likely to trigger occupational asthma. These may include (See table):

The treatment of asthma varies in different individuals, depending on their age groups, the severity of their condition, as well as the frequency of asthmatic symptoms. Acute asthma attacks are usually treated with medications such as bronchodilators or corticosteroids. These drugs can be administered orally in the form of dissolved tablets, or else via a metered-dose inhaler, coupled

with an asthma spacer.

If you wish to continue receiving updates on mental health, lifestyle modifications and holistic well-being, kindly like and follow this blog on Facebook via:

JOBS anti-viral paint seeks distributors worldwide POD Reference BOUK20210108001

This UK based paint manufacturer brings over 30 years' background experience of innovation and supply of anti-viral products for professional and retail sectors to this exciting new venture. Resulting from years of development, this is the first antiviral paint which has been independently tested in the UK and proven to reduce cross contamination. The company is looking to develop its presence globally and seeks experienced distributors with solid local market knowledge.

Italian company specialized in processing marble is searching for manufacturing and distribution services agreements POD Reference BOIT20201019001

The Italian company processes marble to create works of art, design and architecture both for indoor and outdoor. The company is looking for manufacturing and distribution services agreements with the aim of collaborating with designers who are in search of marble elements for their customers’ houses.

A Greek company develops and produces state – of – the art nutritional and skincare products with bio-functional properties, looking for distributors POD Reference BOGR20210111001

A small Greek company develops and provides certified functional foods and nutraceuticals inspired by the Greek www.facebook.com/be.heart. healthy

Dr. Georgiana Farrugia Bonnici, BSc (Hons) Rad,

M.D. MSc FM (Melit.), Diagnostic Radiographer and

Medical Doctor

ASTHMAPRODUCING SUBSTANCES

Chemicals Animal proteins Cereal grains Vegetable gums Cobalt, nickel Milk powder, egg powder

Wood dust

Dyes

Latex and chemicals

Drugs, enzymes Herring, snow crab Chemicals

biodiversity, composed by selected organic ingredients from Crete, Mt. Athos and Mt. Olympus. Products are following the stricter quality standards, evidenced by toptier scientific publications, and certified by leading regulatory bodies. The company is looking for exclusive partners with the ability to promote and distribute the product.

An Italian company specialized in the distillatory sector is searching for foreign commercial agents and distributors POD Reference BOIT20201020004

The Italian company is specialized in distillates production, in particular in high quality grapes, liqueurs and Prosecco De Bernard production. The company is searching for foreign agents and distributors for commercial agency agreements and for distribution services agreements.

French digital educational tool dedicated to developing entrepreneurship skills among pupils 8 to 12 years old, offered for commercial agency, or license agreements POD Reference BOFR20201009001

A French organisation offers a turnkey digital solution to secondary schools and educational partners and intermediaries under a commercial agency, or license agreements. The solution, dedicated to developing entrepreneurship skills is both adapted to pupils and can be used as an innovative pedagogy tool during regular school time. It is available in French and English.