Management of work-related obstructive lung diseases

Although workers with work-related respiratory disorders should generally avoid persistent exposure to high levels of dust, the management of various obstructive lung diseases varies slightly depending on the disease mechanism.

Management of work-related asthma

It is generally accepted that workers who have occupational asthma should avoid persistent exposure to the causal agent in order to prevent any aggravation of the asthma symptoms. In the case of allergic asthma, even a very low exposure to the causal agent can result in a massive asthma attack. A shorter symptomatic period after diagnosis is associated with a better outcome, as long as the causal agent is avoided. Otherwise the asthma may become chronic.

In contrast, for work-aggravated asthma, a substantial reduction of the exposure might lead to improvement or even resolution of the asthma symptoms.

Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Workers who have COPD may be able to continue to work in their usual jobs if their exposure to vapors, dust, gas and fumes is reduced, for instance by substitution of other materials or chemicals for the hazardous one, or by undertaking changes to the physical set-up, such as enclosing the industrial process and improving work area ventilation. Respiratory protective equipment should be used as a last resort, and used only when inhalation exposure risk remains after other reasonable controls have been put in place. Persistent exposure to high levels of dust should be avoided.