All about job: When Your Job Really Is Killing You

We have all said those words or have heard them uttered by a coworker, friend, or significant other when they are tired, stressed, or have just had enough for the moment. But, what if your job really is killing you like mine is?

I have been working as a graphic designer for nearly 20 twenty years within various industries (advertising, marketing, newspaper, publishing, signage) and this past July I accepted a position at a small “Mom and Pop” print shop. I enjoy my position as a graphic designer at CBA and I was happy to return to the field after a four year hiatus. However, in the short time that I have been at CBA I have been absent from work as often as I have been present. Naturally this does not set well with my employer.

The absences began on August 10th. I woke fevered, in a sweat, and was very cold. Every part of my body ached. It was difficult to breathe and I had no energy. Fortunately my physician was available and could fit me in. My diagnosis was pneumonia. Pneumonia? How could I have pneumonia when I had been fine up until that morning? No explanation but I had pneumonia on top of my asthma.

Long story short…Since that day I have been diagnosed with pneumonia on two separate occassions, and diagnosed with the flu three times. At one time I missed 30 consecutive days of work. Whatever has gotten hold of me to cause these respitory problems appears to be an anomoly. My physician has stated several times that he does not understand why I am not getting better.

asthma01 Eventually, through a process of elimination, questioning, and testing it has been determined that the inks and chemicals that are used in the press room at CBA are the culprits. The official diagnosis is occupational asthma. Occupational asthma is a respiratory disease caused by exposure to workplace triggers. The shopping list of triggers is varied and can include contaminants in the air, such as smoke, chemicals, vapors (gases), fumes, dust, or other particles; respiratory infections, such as colds and flu (viruses); allergens in the air, such as molds, animal dander, and pollen; extremes of temperature or humidity; and emotional excitement or stress.

Occupational asthma is the leading work related lung disease in developed countries. Although the exact number is not known it is believed that 15% of asthma cases in the U.S. are work related. The most common jobs having workers with this disease are plastics industry; rubber industry; chemical industry; textile industry; electronics industry; painting; printing; dyeing; metalworking; welding; oil refining; cleaning; baking and food processing; farming; gardening, landscaping, and horticulture; and working with animals.

The symptoms for occupational asthma (coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue) are the same as for asthma. The only difference in having asthma and occupational asthma is the trigger. Medical care should be received for either type of asthma attack and an attack plan should be developed in case of emergency.

Occupational can not be cured but the symptoms can be treated. First and foremost in the treatment plan is to avoid known triggers. Controlling medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory should be taken on a regular basis. A rescue inhaler should also be used to open restricted airways.

Prevention of occupational asthma can entail working with your employer to eliminate the irritant, measure and correct air quality, wear protective gear when handling or using irritants, and if all else fails you may have to quit your job.