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Choosing a career is a very important time, whether you are a school leaver or already working and looking for a change of direction The effect of asthma on employment prospects can be a great worry. If you have asthma, you should be able to do most jobs, but may be limited in some careers such as the fire service, police service, or armed forces which can have strict entry regulations. It is certainly important to choose a job which does not bring you into contact with any known personal triggers. You may, alternatively, be reading this section as you have developed asthma since working in you current job. Occupational asthma is asthma brought on solely by something you have come into contact with where you work. Substances causing occupational asthma are called respiratory sensitisers. There are many commonly known respiratory sensitisers such as flour, wood dust and chemicals like isocyanates. This type of asthma can be prevented as long as you are completely protected from any respiratory sensitisers in your workplace. Symptoms which come on days and/or nights when you are working and disappear on days off or holidays suggest occupational asthma. If you think you may have it, see your doctor as soon as possible. You have a much better chance of recovery the sooner you are removed from the cause of your asthma at work. You can obtain more detailed information by going to the commonly asked questions below. Are there any jobs I can't do if I have asthma? What is occupational asthma? Can occupational asthma be prevented? How do I know if I have occupational asthma? If I have occupational asthma, will I have to leave my job? If I leave my job, will I be cured?

Topic "Quality Living" Updated 14th August 2003

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