Work related lung disease

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 of occupational lung disease

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.

Diagnosis

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

Potential treatment options

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: