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The respiratory system
Published in C. Simon Herrington, Muir's Textbook of Pathology, 2020
Occupational lung disease occurs in diverse forms and is due to fumes, vapours, gases, organic and inorganic dusts, or immunological processes, and is encompassed by the term pneumoconiosis (‘dusty lung’). The degree of lung disease depends on a number of factors including the amount of dust retained in the lung, the size, shape, and chemical reactivity of the particles, and underlying individual genetic predisposition to lung injury. Smoking acts as a co-factor.
The respiratory system
Published in Peter Kopelman, Dame Jane Dacre, Handbook of Clinical Skills, 2019
Peter Kopelman, Dame Jane Dacre
Respiratory diseases often lead to hospital admission, and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may require repeated admissions for infective exacerbations. Carcinoma of the bronchus is the most common cause of cancer death in men, and its prevalence in women has increased in recent years. In the UK, the increasing incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis appears to have halted since 2010. Nevertheless, 10.5 cases still occur per 100,000 population, and the incidence remains 15 times higher in those born outside the UK. There is a greater public awareness of asthma than there was previously, with surveys indicating that over 4 million adults and more than 1 million children are currently receiving treatment for asthma in the UK. Public concern about industrial pollution has led to industry adopting greater safeguards but, nevertheless, occupational lung disease remains an important clinical problem. Smoking remains the single most important cause of respiratory disease despite greater awareness of the dangers of cigarette smoking and health warnings placed in advertisements and on cigarette packets. A total of 15.8% of the adult population were smokers in 2016, with a higher proportion in men than in women. There has been a 6.5% decline in smoking prevalence in the 18–24-year-old group since 2010.
Clinical evaluation of the patient with suspected ILD
Published in Muhunthan Thillai, David R Moller, Keith C Meyer, Clinical Handbook of Interstitial Lung Disease, 2017
‘Outbreaks’ of occupational lung disease have also been reported (25,26). For example, HP presentations were reported among metal grinding machinists who worked with water-based metal working fluids known to harbour Mycobacterium. This led investigators to identify a specific mycobacterial genotype across 10 industrial centres in Canada and the United States where these HP cases had been reported (27). Identifying patterns of disease related to place of work or geography may assist clinicians with earlier disease detection and prevention.
Impaired exercise capacity in electrostatic polyester powder paint workers
Published in Inhalation Toxicology, 2021
Ukbe Sirayder, Deniz Inal-Ince, Cihangir Acik, Ferhan Soyuer
Studies on occupational lung diseases revealed a decrease in quality of life, lung function, and exercise capacity due to pulmonary fibrosis (Sciriha et al. 2019) and gas exchange problems (Schneider et al. 2014). Studies investigating occupational lung disease in EPP workers are minimal, and the effects of EPP on lung function have been investigated (Cartier et al. 1994). In a case study, acute changes in lung function after polyester exposure were examined. Due to the wide usage area of EPP, possible health problems due to exposure to EPP would threaten the lives of many EPP workers. Nevertheless, there is no study in the literature comparing lung function and exercise capacity of EPP workers with a healthy group. Since there is limited knowledge, we aimed to determine lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in EPP workers and compare their values with those of healthy individuals in this study. The factors determining exercise capacity were also investigated. In this way, it was thought to anticipate the risks that may arise due to exposure to EPP in this occupational group and to express an opinion on taking necessary precautions.
Long-term monitoring of patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease: A Canadian Thoracic Society Position Statement
Published in Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, 2020
Jolene H. Fisher, Kerri A. Johannson, Deborah Assayag, Julie Morisset, Kaissa de Boer, Helene Manganas, Shane Shapera, Charlene D. Fell, Christopher J. Ryerson, Martin Kolb
A working group of respirologists with expertise in the field of ILD was created within the CTS ILD Clinical Assembly. Two co-chairs (JHF and MK) selected committee members with the intent to represent the diversity of gender, geography, experience and expertise among Canadian ILD respirologists. Areas of expertise represented include general ILD, connective tissue disease, lung transplantation, occupational lung disease, clinical epidemiology and basic science. The primary target audiences for this statement include respirologists, internists, primary care physicians and allied-health care practitioners caring for patients with fibrotic ILD. Secondary target audiences include patients with fibrotic ILD, caregivers and advocates, and those making health policy decisions regarding fibrotic ILD.
Work-related asthma surveillance in Washington State: time trends, industry rates, and workers’ compensation costs, 2002–2016
Published in Journal of Asthma, 2020
Claire R. LaSee, Carolyn K. Reeb-Whitaker
Interventions to improve workplace health such as legislation or educational campaigns would be expected to have a short-term effect of increasing WRA rates as awareness is raised, followed ideally by a reduction in rates as new behaviors and improvements are instituted. There were several prevention emphasis programs over this time period for asthma associated with western red cedar, isocyanates, and hops as well as continuing medical education efforts for physicians [34–37]. The effect of these efforts is not known. While there is no direct evidence for widespread improvements in workplace occupational hygiene control, it is possible that overall technology advancements and process improvements could result in fewer exposed workers or reduced exposure, most likely in the manufacturing and services sectors. Finally, it is possible that the decline in WRA rates reflects a genuine decline in incidence. The decline is interpreted with caution, as the overall adult asthma rate in WA has remained steady [38] and workers remain at risk for WRA as well as other types of occupational lung disease.