[Principles of work capacity assessment in occupational respiratory diseases]

Pneumoconiosis, occupational asthma, extrinsic allergic alveolitis and chronic bronchitis are the major problems among occupational respiratory diseases. The assessment of work capacity in these cases is based on the three criteria: (a) clinical and radiological symptoms and signs which determine the degree of the disease intensity; (b) the kind and degree of the lung function disturbances caused by these diseases; and (c) limitations resulting from prophylactic contraindications. There are numerous functional tests showing disturbances of the lung function. Simple spirometry should be performed as a necessary minimum. While assessing physical work capacity, the measurement of the maximum oxygen consumption is most essential.