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Occupational and environmental lung disease: occupational asthma
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Chris.Stenton@nuth.nhs.uk
Chronic Respiratory Disease
|October 13, 2009
Summary
Occupational asthma affects 10-15% of adults, posing significant health and economic challenges. Despite controls, new workplace hazards mean its incidence isn't decreasing, requiring heightened awareness and early investigation.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Respiratory medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Occupational exposures are responsible for 10-15% of adult-onset asthma cases.
- While some causative agents are controlled, evolving workplace practices introduce new hazards.
- Current evidence does not indicate a decrease in occupational asthma incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the persistent burden of occupational asthma.
- To emphasize the need for continued vigilance and improved management strategies.
- To advocate for evidence-based guidelines in occupational asthma care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on occupational asthma incidence and causative factors.
- Analysis of trends in workplace exposures and their relation to asthma development.
- Evaluation of the role of guidelines in raising awareness and improving management.
Main Results:
- Occupational asthma remains a significant health and economic issue.
- The incidence of occupational asthma shows no clear downward trend.
- New and evolving workplace hazards contribute to ongoing risk.
Conclusions:
- A high index of suspicion for occupational asthma in adults is crucial.
- Early and thorough investigation of new-onset asthma is essential.
- Implementing evidence-based guidelines can improve awareness and management of occupational asthma.
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