Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that affects the airways, making it difficult for individuals to breathe properly.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, with around 250,000 deaths attributed to the condition each year.

While asthma can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, researchers have found that certain environmental factors increase the likelihood of developing asthma.

Studies have found that shift work – particularly evening shifts – may increase the risk of developing asthma.

What is shift work?

Shift work is a type of work pattern that differs from traditional nine-to-five work. In shift work, employees work outside of the standard working hours, which can include daytime, evening, night, and weekend shifts.

Shift work is common in a variety of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing.

While shift work can offer benefits, including increased earnings and flexible working patterns, it can also have a significant impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing.

How does shift work affect health?

Shift work can have a number of negative impacts on an individual’s health. These impacts can include:.

Sleep disturbances and changes to circadian rhythms
Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to fatigue
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Increased risk of gastrointestinal problems

While these impacts are well documented, recent research has also identified a link between shift work and respiratory conditions such as asthma.

The link between shift work and asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways, making it difficult for individuals to breathe properly.

Symptoms of asthma can include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, and these symptoms can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens and respiratory infections.

While the exact causes of asthma are not fully understood, recent research has identified a link between shift work – particularly evening shift work – and an increased risk of developing asthma.

Study details

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal analysed data from over 280,000 individuals across the UK Biobank.

The study assessed the impact of shift work on asthma risk, and found that individuals who worked evening shifts had a significantly increased risk of developing asthma.

The study found that working evening shifts increased the risk of asthma by around 36%, while working night shifts increased the risk by around 23%.

The findings suggest that the disruption of circadian rhythms caused by shift work may be a contributing factor to the development of asthma.

Why does shift work increase asthma risk?

The exact reasons why shift work increases the risk of developing asthma are not fully understood. However, researchers believe that the disruption of circadian rhythms caused by shift work may be a contributing factor.

Circadian rhythms are the body’s internal clock, which help to regulate sleep, appetite, and other physiological processes.

Disrupting these rhythms can have a number of negative impacts on health, including an increased risk of respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Shift work can also expose individuals to a range of environmental factors that may contribute to the development of asthma.

For example, shift workers may be exposed to higher levels of air pollution and other respiratory irritants, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

What can individuals do to reduce their asthma risk?

While shift work can increase the risk of developing asthma, there are a number of steps individuals can take to reduce their risk.

Speak to your employer about reducing shift work: If possible, speak to your employer about reducing your exposure to shift work, particularly evening and night shifts. If you are unable to reduce your shift work, be sure to take regular breaks and take steps to manage your sleep and stress levels.
Manage your asthma symptoms: If you already have asthma, speak to your healthcare provider about the best ways to manage your symptoms. This may include taking medication, avoiding triggers, and using inhalers.
Reduce your exposure to respiratory irritants: Avoid exposure to air pollution and other respiratory irritants where possible. If you work in an industry that exposes you to respiratory irritants, be sure to take appropriate safety measures such as wearing a mask.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress levels can all help to reduce your asthma risk.

Conclusion

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

While the exact causes of asthma are not fully understood, recent research has identified a link between shift work – particularly evening shifts – and an increased risk of developing asthma.

The disruption of circadian rhythms caused by shift work may be a contributing factor to the development of asthma.

Individuals who work in shift patterns should take steps to reduce their risk of developing asthma, including speaking to their employers about reducing shift work, managing their asthma symptoms, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.