Occupational Lung Disease Flashcards
What is occupational lung disease?
A group of diagnoses caused by inhalation of dusts, chemicals, or proteins
Give some occupational lung diseases
- Asthma (not always obvs)
- Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
- Coal workers pneumoconiosis and silicosis
- Asbestos-related lung disease
How is occupational asthma identified?
Patient his history of asthma during week, with relative improvement over weekend
What should be done if occupational asthma is suspected?
- Carry out serial peak flow measurements at work and home
- Confirm diagnosis with IgE assay, skin prick test, or specific allergen testing
What will happen in occupational asthma is sensitiser-induced?
There is latent period between exposure and symptoms
What will happen if occupational asthma is irritant-induced?
Symptoms start within hours of exposure
What is extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA)?
The process in which granulomatous inflammation occurs in the lung due to inhaling organic or chemical antigens or proteins
What are the types of EAA?
- Farmer’s lung
- Bird fancier’s lung
- Malt worker’s lung
- Mushroom workers lung
What is farmer’s lung linked to?
Inhalation of material in mouldy hay
What is bird fanciers lung linked to?
Inhalation of organic proteins in bird droppings
What are the clinical features of EAA?
- Expectorant cough
- Shortness of breath
- Flu-like illness
Present up to 8 hours after exposure
What happens in many cases of EAA?
Symptoms resolve within a week
How can acute forms of EAA be managed?
Supportively
What are the features of chronic EAA?
- Gradually reducing exercise tolerance
- Weight loss
- Recurrent symptoms
- Crackles on lung examination
How are patients with chronic EAA managed?
- Supportive treatment
- Removal of offending antigen (may need change in profession)
What may be required in progressive or severe EAA?
Corticosteroids
What is pneumoconiosis?
Fibrosis that occurs secondary to repeated inflammation caused by harmful dusts and particles, including silica
What occupations often have histories of silica exposure?
- Coal workers
- Bricklayers
- Tunnelling
- Pottery and ceramics
What is it called when coal workers pneumoconiosis is associated with RA?
Caplan syndrome
What is it important to do in the history in pneumoconiosis?
Obtain a thorough occupational history and consider social side of management, as may be eligible for financial compensation
Is coal workers pneumoconiosis a notifiable disease?
Yes
How are pneumoconiosis and silicosis managed?
Have no specific therapy, but symptomatic management should be offered
