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Work-related lung disease
OCCUPATION LUNG DISEASE
Work-related lung conditions are caused or made worse by materials in your workplace
About
Repeated and long-term exposure to certain irritants in the workplace can lead to an array of lung diseases that may have lasting effects, even after exposure to those irritants cease. Certain jobs, because of the nature of their location, work, and environment, are more at risk for occupational lung diseases than others.
Need to know
Symptoms will depend on each individual but may include:
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- chest tightness
- abnormal breathing patterns
The symptoms of occupational (work-related) lung diseases may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Your consultant will be able to advise you.
You'll be given an initial chest X-ray or CT scan for a clinical diagnosis. Additional tests may be performed to determine the type and severity of the lung disease, including:
- pulmonary function tests
- microscopic examination from biopsy or autopsy of tissue, cells, and fluids from the lungs
- biochemical and cellular studies of lung fluids
- measurement of respiratory or gas exchange functions
- examination of airway or bronchial activity
Treatment will be determined by the type and severity of lung disease you are diagnosed with. The best prevention for occupational (work-related) lung diseases is avoiding inhaling substances that cause lung diseases. Recommendations include:
- not smoking
- wearing proper protective equipment
- regular evaluation of lung function
- educating workers of the risks of lung disease
- regular workplace health and safety checks
Our Work-related lung disease locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Lung Nodule Clinic
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David's gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.