Learn About Industrial Bronchitis
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.
Occupational bronchitis
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 that contain:
- Asbestos
- Coal
- Cotton
- Flax
- Latex
- Metals
- Silica
- Talc
- Toluene diisocyanate
- Western red cedar
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Cough that brings up mucus (sputum)
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
The goal of treatment is to reduce the irritation.
Getting more air into the workplace or wearing masks to filter out the offending dust particles may help. Some people may need to be taken out of the workplace.
Some cases of industrial bronchitis go away without treatment. Other times, a person may need inhaled anti-inflammatory medicines. If you are at risk or have experienced this problem and you smoke, stop smoking.
Helpful measures include:
- Breathing humidified air
- Increasing fluid intake
- Resting
SOFHA Pulmonology
. Dr. Garcia is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Industrial Bronchitis. Her top areas of expertise are Lung Metastases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma in Children, Lung Nodules, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.
BHMA Sleep Medicine- Abingdon
. Dr. Robinette is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Industrial Bronchitis. His top areas of expertise are Coal Worker's Pneumoconiosis, Lung Metastases, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Bronchiolitis Obliterans.
Ballad Health Medical Associates Sleep Medicine
. Dr. Ebeo is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Industrial Bronchitis. His top areas of expertise are Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Lung Metastases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia, and Advanced Bronchoscopy.
The outcome is often good as long as you can stop being exposed to the irritant.
Continued exposure to irritating gases, fumes, or other substances can lead to permanent lung damage.
Contact your 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.
Regulate dust in industrial settings by wearing face masks and protective clothing, and by treating textiles. Stop smoking if you are at risk.
Get an early screening by your provider if you are exposed to chemicals that can cause this condition.
If you think a chemical you work with is affecting your breathing, ask your employer for a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet. Bring it with you to your provider.
Published Date: October 16, 2024
Published By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Lemiere C, Vandenplas O. Occupational allergy and asthma. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 56.
Tarlo SM, Redlich CA. Occupational lung disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 81.