Asthma affects over five million people in the UK, many of whom are working adults. Managing asthma in the workplace can be challenging, especially when certain environments or activities trigger symptoms. However, with the right approach, you can keep your asthma under control and minimise its impact on your job. Understanding your condition, avoiding triggers, and working with your employer to make adjustments are all essential steps to ensure a safe and productive work environment.

Understanding Work-Related Asthma

Asthma in the workplace can be triggered or worsened by environmental factors. This is often referred to as occupational asthma, which is caused or exacerbated by inhaling fumes, dust, chemicals, or other irritants present in the workplace. Even if your asthma is not occupational, certain work environments can aggravate symptoms.

Common workplace triggers include:

• Dust and fumes: Industrial workplaces, factories, or workshops often have airborne particles that can irritate the airways.
• Chemicals: Cleaning products, industrial chemicals, and paints can act as asthma triggers.
• Temperature changes: For those working outdoors or in cold environments, sudden temperature changes can cause symptoms to flare up.
• Stress: High levels of stress in the workplace can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

It’s important to recognise how your workplace might be affecting your asthma and take steps to minimise your exposure to potential triggers.

Managing Asthma at Work

1. Know Your Triggers: The first step in managing your asthma at work is to identify what triggers your symptoms. Keeping a symptom diary and noting when and where your symptoms worsen can help pinpoint the cause. Once you have a clear understanding, you can take steps to avoid those triggers.
   
2. Use Your Medications Correctly: Managing asthma in the workplace means staying on top of your medication. Make sure to use your preventer inhaler as prescribed, which helps keep symptoms under control. Always keep your reliever inhaler on hand in case of an asthma attack or sudden symptoms. Regular use of your preventer inhaler can make a significant difference in your ability to handle everyday workplace exposures.
   
3. Talk to Your Employer: Your employer has a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate employees with health conditions like asthma. Speak with your manager or HR department about any specific needs you might have. This could include changes to your work environment, such as improving ventilation, providing protective equipment, or adjusting your workload to reduce stress.
   
4. Create an Asthma Action Plan: Workplaces can sometimes be unpredictable, and asthma symptoms can flare up unexpectedly. Having a personalised asthma action plan can help you manage your symptoms more effectively. This plan, created with your healthcare provider, outlines what to do if your symptoms worsen and when to seek medical help.
   
5. Inform Your Colleagues: It’s a good idea to let a trusted colleague or your supervisor know about your asthma, especially if you’re prone to severe attacks. They can support you if you have a flare-up at work, ensuring that you get the help you need quickly.
   
6. Improve Workplace Ventilation: Poor air quality is a common cause of asthma symptoms in the workplace. If possible, request improved ventilation or an air purifier to reduce exposure to airborne triggers. Employers are required to provide a healthy working environment, so this is a reasonable accommodation to discuss.

Asthma-Friendly Workplaces

Not all workplaces are equally challenging for people with asthma. However, with the right adjustments, most environments can be made asthma-friendly. Here are a few general tips for improving your workplace conditions:

• Adjust the temperature: Try to avoid working in areas with extreme cold or sudden temperature changes, which can irritate the airways.
• Reduce dust exposure: Request regular cleaning or dust control in areas where dust build-up occurs.
• Limit exposure to chemicals: If you work with chemicals or cleaning agents, ask for safer alternatives or use protective gear like masks.

Know Your Rights

In the UK, employers are required to make reasonable adjustments for employees with asthma under the Equality Act 2010. This means that they should take steps to ensure that your asthma does not negatively affect your ability to perform your job. If your employer is unaware of their responsibilities, it’s important to inform them and, if necessary, seek advice from your healthcare provider or an occupational health advisor.

Conclusion

Managing asthma in the workplace requires a proactive approach. By knowing your triggers, using your medications correctly, and working with your employer to make necessary adjustments, you can reduce the risk of asthma flare-ups and maintain your productivity. Don’t hesitate to advocate for your health and wellbeing at work – your ability to manage your asthma effectively depends on creating a supportive, asthma-friendly environment.