ABSTRACT
Work-related asthma is an underestimated problem. More awareness is needed for early identification of work-related lung diseases to prevent permanent damage in patients with lung diseases. Work-related asthma can lead to an increase in the burden of disease, the number of exacerbations and hospital admissions. Therefore, exposure to substances with irritating and/or sensitizing properties should be regarded as an additional treatable trait in asthma treatment. The number of occupations where such exposures plays a role is large and diverse. Inquiring about the profession, activities or future career choice of the (asthma) patient during the first consultation is of great importance for the correct diagnosis and treatment. Cooperation between pulmonologist, lung nurse, ENT specialist, dermatologist, company doctor and occupational hygienist can contribute to this. A regional organization with a 'multidisciplinary consultation' for occupational lung diseases is important to guarantee optimal care and advice. The clinical case series demonstrate work-related asthma in clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Asthma , Occupational Diseases , Occupational Exposure , Occupational Health Physicians , Asthma/diagnosis , Asthma/etiology , Asthma/therapy , Humans , Occupational Diseases/diagnosisABSTRACT
A diagnosis of silicosis is made on the basis of exposure and typical radiological findings, according to the ILO's International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconiosis. Radiological patterns of silicosis can, however, resemble sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic disorder of unknown etiology, although a role for initiating inorganic triggers such as metals or silica has been suggested. In this case report, we illustrate a patient previously diagnosed with silicosis based on exposure and radiological features, progressive under immunosuppressive treatment. In view of these findings, an open lung biopsy was performed and revealed sarcoidosis. The patient was effectively treated with infliximab. Further analysis showed the presence of silica in the granulomas. Sensitization to silica was also demonstrated, suggesting an association between silica exposure and sarcoidosis in this patient.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate predictors of 1-year changes in sick leave in workers with asthma. METHODS: The initial cohort consisted of 111 workers with asthma. One-hundred and one participants completed the follow-up after 1 year. Self-reported sick leave over the past 12 months was reported at baseline and at follow-up. At the start of this study, all participants completed questionnaires on adaptation to functional limitations, psychosocial variables, working conditions, lung function characteristics, disease history characteristics, health complaints and functional limitations, and person characteristics ('potential predictors'). Three multivariate logistic regression models were calculated, with an increase in sick leave, a decrease in sick leave, and stable high sick leave as dependent (outcome) variables, and the potential predictors as independent (explanatory) variables. RESULTS: An increase in sick leave was predicted by a lower level of education and perceiving more functional limitations in activities of daily life. A decrease in sick leave was predicted by spending all energy at work less often and perceiving fewer health complaints in social activities (adaptation criteria 4 and 5). Stable high sick leave was predicted by less job satisfaction, perceiving more support from the employer and perceiving more health complaints in social activities (adaptation criterion 5). Lung function characteristics, or disease history characteristics were not predictive for changes in sick leave in any of the groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that adaptation to functional limitations played a major role in changes in sick leave in workers with asthma. Lung function characteristics hardly played a role.
