OLDs are a wide range of breathing issues caused by inhaling irritants at the workplace. 

Lung irritants can be anything from chemicals to diesel exhaust to fumes from animal droppings. Nearly 30 million Americans are at risk of developing an OLD.

Signs of OLDs vary depending on the irritant. Some typical symptoms include:

• Wheezing
• Frequent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Excess mucus or phlegm
• Fatigue

Inhaling irritants at work can cause many different lung diseases. Some of these are occupational interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). ILD is an umbrella term for lung diseases that cause scarring in your lungs and make it hard to breathe.

Common work-related lung diseases include:

• Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs from inhaling asbestos fibers. People exposed to asbestos may also develop mesothelioma, a type of cancer, many years later.
• Silicosis: Lung disease from inhaling silica dust found in quartz, sand, or rock. It’s most common in miners and construction workers.
• Black lung disease: Scarring of the lungs from breathing in coal dust. Also called pneumoconiosis.
• Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: An allergic reaction in the lungs. It’s caused by breathing in certain substances. Examples include farmer’s lung (from moldy hay) and bird fancier’s lung (from bird droppings or feathers).
• Sarcoidosis: Inflammation that can develop in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. It’s sometimes linked to insecticides or mold.
• Brown lung disease: Breathing problems caused by inhaling cotton dust or dust from other plant fibers like flax, hemp, or sisal. Also called byssinosis. 
• Talcosis: Lung disease from inhaling talcum powder, often used in baby powder.
• Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome: A form of sudden asthma. A single high-level exposure to an irritant can trigger it. This might be a workplace accident or chemical spill.
• Welding-related lung diseases: Breathing in welding fumes or iron particles can cause lung damage. It can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or welder’s lung (a form of black lung).

Your treatment depends on exactly what kind of lung disease you have. Our pulmonary experts are familiar with many different types of OLD. 

We'll run tests to determine the cause and exact location of scarring, blockage, or other lung problems. Tests may also show evidence of pneumonia, abscesses, or tumors.

Treatment for OLDs depends on the type and severity of your condition. The goal is to reduce symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve your quality of life. Your care plan may include:

• Avoid irritants at work: Stay away from the substance causing your lung disease. Work with your employer to get protective gear like respirators and attend safety training.
• Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, stay active, and follow a healthy diet to strengthen your lungs and improve overall health.
• Medicines: Inhalers and other medicines can open airways, reduce swelling, or fight infections. These may include medicines to relax airway muscles, ease inflammation, or fight infections.
• Oxygen therapy: If your lung disease lowers oxygen levels, you may need extra oxygen through a mask or small tubes in your nose. Portable systems allow for short-term or long-term use.
• Airway support devices: Machines can help keep your airways open while you breathe. They include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP).
• Pulmonary rehabilitation: A program of exercise, breathing techniques, and health education. The goal is to improve lung function and daily life. A pulmonary therapist may also guide you on diet and activity.
• Surgery (in advanced cases): Some people may need surgery to remove damaged lung tissue or relieve symptoms.