scholarly journals Current and new challenges in occupational lung diseases

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (146) ◽  
pp. 170080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Dick Heederik ◽  
Alex Burdorf ◽  
Claudio Colosio ◽  
Paul Cullinan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Preventive Interventions ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Occupational Lung Disease ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases ◽  
New Challenges

Occupational lung diseases are an important public health issue and are avoidable through preventive interventions in the workplace. Up-to-date knowledge about changes in exposure to occupational hazards as a result of technological and industrial developments is essential to the design and implementation of efficient and effective workplace preventive measures. New occupational agents with unknown respiratory health effects are constantly introduced to the market and require periodic health surveillance among exposed workers to detect early signs of adverse respiratory effects. In addition, the ageing workforce, many of whom have pre-existing respiratory conditions, poses new challenges in terms of the diagnosis and management of occupational lung diseases. Primary preventive interventions aimed to reduce exposure levels in the workplace remain pivotal for elimination of the occupational lung disease burden. To achieve this goal there is still a clear need for setting standard occupational exposure limits based on transparent evidence-based methodology, in particular for carcinogens and sensitising agents that expose large working populations to risk. The present overview, focused on the occupational lung disease burden in Europe, proposes directions for all parties involved in the prevention of occupational lung disease, from researchers and occupational and respiratory health professionals to workers and employers.

Occupational lung disease

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Feary ◽  
Joanna Szram ◽  
Paul Cullinan
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Occupational Lung Disease ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Select Work ◽  
Comprehensive Knowledge ◽  
Working Age ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases ◽  
Developed World

Occupational lung diseases are under-recognized by most general (and respiratory) physicians. When affected individuals are of working age, the diagnosis can result in significant socio-economic consequences. A comprehensive knowledge of all occupational lung diseases is beyond the remit of most respiratory physicians, but an understanding of the relationships between work and disease is crucial to ensure that cases are not missed. This chapter presents two contrasting cases. The first is a ‘traditional’ case of occupational asthma, the most commonly reported occupational lung disease in the United Kingdom (as well as in most ‘developed world’ countries). The second case describes a rare disease (obliterative bronchiolitis) recently linked to a few select work exposures, highlighting the complexity of establishing causation in suspected occupational disease, particularly one uncommon in the general population. An occupational history should be taken in all cases of respiratory disease; access to specialist advice is freely available and frequently invaluable.

Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases: Diagnosis and Prevention

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cora S Sack ◽  
Sverre Vedal ◽  
Joel D Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Occupational Asthma ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Occupational Lung Disease ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases

Environmental and occupational lung diseases encompass a diverse group of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of potentially harmful substances. Although workplace regulations and the changing economy in the United States have significantly decreased incidence, these diseases remain both common and associated with significant morbidity. In addition, novel exposures continue to be recognized as new causes of disease. This review provides the medical student and clinician with a framework for approaching and categorizing environmental and occupational lung disease. It also presents an in-depth discussion of the epidemiology, biological mechanisms, diagnosis, and clinical care of some of the more commonly encountered diseases. Occupational lung diseases that affect the airways, such as work-related asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and malignant neoplasms are covered. This review concludes with general strategies to help prevent disease incidence and progression.     This review contains 1 figure, 5 tables, and 56 references. Key words: bronchiolitis obliterans, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irritant-induced occupational asthma, mesothelioma, occupational asthma, occupational lung disease, occupational lung neoplasm, work-related asthma

Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases: Diagnosis and Prevention

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cora S Sack ◽  
Sverre Vedal ◽  
Joel D Kaufman
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Occupational Asthma ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Occupational Lung Disease ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases

Environmental and occupational lung diseases encompass a diverse group of lung diseases caused by the inhalation of potentially harmful substances. Although workplace regulations and the changing economy in the United States have significantly decreased incidence, these diseases remain both common and associated with significant morbidity. In addition, novel exposures continue to be recognized as new causes of disease. This review provides the medical student and clinician with a framework for approaching and categorizing environmental and occupational lung disease. It also presents an in-depth discussion of the epidemiology, biological mechanisms, diagnosis, and clinical care of some of the more commonly encountered diseases. Occupational lung diseases that affect the airways, such as work-related asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and malignant neoplasms are covered. This review concludes with general strategies to help prevent disease incidence and progression.     This review contains 1 figure, 5 tables, and 56 references. Key words: bronchiolitis obliterans, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, irritant-induced occupational asthma, mesothelioma, occupational asthma, occupational lung disease, occupational lung neoplasm, work-related asthma

An Analytical Study Carried Out to Identify Symptoms of Occupational Lung Diseases and Preventive Measures among Workers Involved in Marble Industries in Rajsamand District of Rajasthan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Kalika Gupta ◽  
Mitin Parmar ◽  
Pranav Bhavsar ◽  
Milan Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Educational Interventions ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis

scholarly journals The burden of chronic respiratory diseases in adults in Nepal: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 147997312199457
Author(s):  
Winifred Ekezie ◽  
Alex Robert Jenkins ◽  
Ian Philip Hall ◽  
Catrin Evans ◽  
Rajendra Koju ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Airflow Obstruction ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chronic Lung Diseases

While chronic lung disease causes substantial global morbidity and mortality, global estimates have primarily been based on broad assumptions. Specific country data from low-income countries such as Nepal are limited. This review assessed primary evidence on chronic respiratory disease burden among adults in Nepal. A systematic search was performed in June 2019 (updated May 2020) for studies through nine databases. High levels of heterogeneity deemed a narrative synthesis appropriate. Among 27 eligible studies identified, most were low-moderate quality with cross-sectional and retrospective study design. Chronic lung diseases identified were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis and restrictive lung diseases. Studies were categorised as: (i) community-based, (ii) hospital-based and (iii) comorbidity-related and disease burden. Reported disease prevalence varied widely (COPD, 1.67–14.3%; asthma, 4.2–8.9%). The prevalence of airflow obstruction was higher among rural dwellers (15.8%) and those exposed to household air pollution from domestic biomass burning as opposed to liquid petroleum gas users (Odds Ratio: 2.06). Several comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus added to the disease burden. The review shows limited literature on lung disease burden in Nepal. Publications varied in terms of overall quality. Good quality research studies with prospective cohorts related to respiratory conditions are required.

Lung health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders: breathing easy is not so easy

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry-Ann F. O'Grady ◽  
Amber Revell ◽  
Graeme P. Maguire ◽  
Renate Millonig ◽  
Michael A. Newman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Lung Disease ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Indigenous Population ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Lung Health

Objectives. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland, to (a) determine the disease burden of common chronic lung diseases and (b) identify areas of need with respect to lung health services. Methods. Literature reviews and analyses of hospitalisation and mortality data were used to describe disease epidemiology and available programs and services. Key stakeholder interviews and an online survey of health professionals were used to evaluate lung health services across the state and to identify services, needs and gaps. Results. Morbidity and mortality from respiratory diseases in the Indigenous population is substantially higher than the non-Indigenous population across all age groups and regions. There are inadequate clinical services and resources to address disease prevention, detection, intervention and management in an evidence-based and culturally acceptable fashion. There is a lack of culturally appropriate educational resources and management programs, insufficient access to appropriately engaged Indigenous health professionals, a lack of multi-disciplinary specialist outreach teams, fragmented information systems and inadequate coordination of care. Conclusions. Major initiatives are required at all levels of the healthcare system to adequately address service provision for Indigenous Queenslanders with lung diseases, including high quality research to investigate the causes for poor lung health, which are likely to be multifactorial. What is known about the topic? Chronic diseases, including lung disease contribute to, and influence outcomes of, the well-known health and socioeconomic disadvantage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Nationwide, the most common reason for hospitalisation of Indigenous Australians is for lung diseases (after renal dialysis). What does this paper add? There is currently no state- or nation-wide comprehensive review of chronic lung disease burden and the health services available to prevent, treat and manage lung disease. This review fills this gap in Queensland and has found that chronic lung disease burden is not homogenous. There are substantial gaps in, and barriers to, the provision of high quality, evidence based services and a paucity of well-designed research to inform policy and health service delivery. What are the implications for practitioners? Evidence-based strategies are needed at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of the healthcare system. Fourteen recommendations relevant to practitioners and policy makers were formulated.

scholarly journals Surveillance of Occupational Lung Diseases in Canada

1996 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 291-294
Author(s):  
Helen Dimich-Ward ◽  
Gustavo R Contreras ◽  
Roxanne Rousseau ◽  
Moira Chan-Yeung
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Occupational Diseases ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
First Year ◽  
Occupational Lung Disease ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Trial Basis ◽  
Occupational Lung Diseases

Surveillance programs for occupational lung diseases are reviewed, with reference to a two-year pilot study that was undertaken in the province of British Columbia. Members of the British Columbia Thoracic Society were invited to participate by reporting any new cases of occupational lung disease in each two-month period. Participating physicians responded well during the first year of the pilot study, but longer term commitment was difficult to maintain. It is recommend that physicians be educated, starting in medical school, about the recognition and diagnosis of occupational diseases and the importance of surveillance of chronic diseases. The authors encourage, at least on a trial basis, a nationally based surveillance program of occupational lung diseases.

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