what can exacerbate asthma
WORK-RELATED ASTHMA. Workplace Exacerbation of Asthma Research. A 2003 statement of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) included the observation that asthma exacerbated by conditions at work was likely to be responsible for as much illness and loss of productivity as asthma caused by work.
Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person they may become worse at night or with exercise. Asthma is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.