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Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) Jun 2022Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. Smoking is the main risk factor, but other factors are also associated... (Review)
Review
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is caused by exposure to noxious particles and gases. Smoking is the main risk factor, but other factors are also associated with COPD. Occupational exposure to vapours, gases, dusts and fumes contributes to the development and progression of COPD, accounting for a population attributable fraction of 14%. Workplace pollutants, in particular inorganic dust, can initiate airway damage and inflammation, which are the hallmarks of COPD pathogenesis. Occupational COPD is still underdiagnosed, mainly due to the challenges of assessing the occupational component of the disease in clinical settings, especially if other risk factors are present. There is a need for specific education and training for clinicians, and research with a focus on evaluating the role of occupational exposure in causing COPD. Early diagnosis and identification of occupational causes is very important to prevent further decline in lung function and to reduce the health and socio-economic burden of COPD. Establishing details of the occupational history by general practitioners or respiratory physicians could help to define the occupational burden of COPD for individual patients, providing the first useful interventions (smoking cessation, best therapeutic management, etc.). Once patients are diagnosed with occupational COPD, there is a wide international variation in access to specialist occupational medicine and public health services, along with limitations in workplace and income support. Therefore, a strong collaboration between primary care physicians, respiratory physicians and occupational medicine specialists is desirable to help manage COPD patients' health and social issues.
Topics: Dust; Gases; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35513770
DOI: 10.1111/resp.14272 -
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation Sep 2011Thoracic outlet syndrome is a controversial cause of neck and shoulder pain due to complex mechanisms involving muscular dysfunction and nerve compression. Although... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a controversial cause of neck and shoulder pain due to complex mechanisms involving muscular dysfunction and nerve compression. Although management of thoracic outlet syndrome must be based on a multidisciplinary approach, physicians and occupational therapist should be familiar with the principles of diagnosis and treatment.
METHOD, RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
The purpose of this article is to review the definitions, diagnosis and management of this syndrome. A particular emphasis was described on the links between the workplace and the individual in the pathogenesis, prevalence in the workforce and the course of this disease.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
PubMed: 21193950
DOI: 10.1007/s10926-010-9278-9 -
Environmental Health and Preventive... Oct 2020Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world. The goal of this study was to review the epidemiology,... (Review)
Review
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is the most prevalent occupational disease in the world. The goal of this study was to review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and preventive measures of ONIHL among workers and provide evidence for the implementation of control measures. Literature studies were identified from the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using the search terms "noise-induced hearing loss" "prevalence", "pathogenesis", and "preventive measures". The articles reviewed in this report were limited from 2000 to 2020. Articles that were not published in the English language, manuscripts without an abstract, and opinion articles were excluded. After a preliminary screening, all of the articles were reviewed and synthesized to provide an overview of the current status of ONIHL among workers. The mechanism of ONIHL among workers is a complex interaction between environmental and host factors (both genetic and acquired factors). The outcomes of noise exposure are different among individual subjects. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the treatment effect of antioxidants on ONIHL. Noise exposure may contribute to temporary or permanent threshold shifts; however, even temporary threshold shifts may predispose an individual to eventual permanent hearing loss. Noise prevention programs are an important preventive measure in reducing the morbidity of ONIHL among workers.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Noise; Occupational Diseases; Prevalence; Young Adult
PubMed: 33129267
DOI: 10.1186/s12199-020-00906-0 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Jan 2022Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in workers, often associated with physically demanding work. Knowledge of work-relatedness of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder in workers, often associated with physically demanding work. Knowledge of work-relatedness of LE is crucial to develop appropriate preventive measures. This study investigates the prospective association between work-related physical risk factors and LE.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was conducted in MedLine using PubMed from January 1, 2010 until February 16, 2021. Published reports were included if: (1) LE was clinically assessed, (2) exposure to work-related physical risk factors was assessed, and (3) associations between LE and work-related physical risk factors were reported in prospective studies. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
In total, 318 workers with LE from a population of 5036 workers in five studies were included. Meta-analyses revealed high-quality evidence for associations between LE and a Strain Index (SI) score >5.1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.78) and moderate-quality evidence for forearm rotation >4 h/day or forearm rotation ≥45° for ≥45% time (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.10-3.10). Gripping, flexion and extension of the wrist, and repetitive movements showed no significant associations with LE.
CONCLUSION
High-quality evidence was found indicating that a higher SI increased the risk of LE. Moderate-quality evidence was found for an association between forearm rotation and LE. No associations were found between other physical risk factors and LE. Primary preventive interventions should focus on a reduction of the SI and of high forearm rotation in work.
Topics: Humans; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Occupational Diseases; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Tennis Elbow
PubMed: 34674287
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23303 -
Radiologia Dec 2022The term inhalational lung disease comprises a group of entities that develop secondary to the active aspiration of particles. Most are occupational lung diseases....
The term inhalational lung disease comprises a group of entities that develop secondary to the active aspiration of particles. Most are occupational lung diseases. Inhalational lung diseases are classified as occupational diseases (pneumoconiosis, chemical pneumonitis), hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and electronic-cigarette-associated lung diseases. The radiologic findings often consist of nonspecific interstitial patterns that can be difficult to interpret. Therefore, radiologists' experience and multidisciplinary teamwork are key to ensure correct evaluation. The role of the radiologist is fundamental in preventive measures as well as in diagnosis and management, having an important impact on patients' overall health. It is crucial to take into account patients' possible exposure to particles both at work and at home.
Topics: Humans; Lung Diseases; Pneumoconiosis; Lung; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Pneumonia
PubMed: 36737167
DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2022.10.007 -
Scandinavian Journal of Work,... Mar 2022
Topics: Humans; Occupational Diseases
PubMed: 34907448
DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4007 -
American Journal of Industrial Medicine Apr 2021The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 permeates all aspects of society worldwide. Initial... (Review)
Review
The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 permeates all aspects of society worldwide. Initial medical reports and media coverage have increased awareness of the risk imposed on healthcare workers in particular, during this pandemic. However, the health implications of COVID-19 for the global workforce are multifaceted and complex, warranting careful reflection and consideration to mitigate the adverse effects on workers worldwide. Accordingly, our review offers a framework for considering this topic, highlighting key issues, with the aim to prompt and inform action, including research, to minimize the occupational hazards imposed by this ongoing challenge. We address respiratory disease as a primary concern, while recognizing the multisystem spectrum of COVID-19-related disease and how clinical aspects are interwoven with broader socioeconomic forces.
Topics: COVID-19; COVID-19 Testing; Global Health; Humans; Infection Control; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Occupational Health; Pandemics; Public Health Surveillance
PubMed: 33491195
DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23222 -
Chest Oct 2021Sarcoidosis is an important member of the family of granulomatous lung diseases. Since its recognition in the late 19th century, sarcoidosis has been thought of as a... (Review)
Review
Sarcoidosis is an important member of the family of granulomatous lung diseases. Since its recognition in the late 19th century, sarcoidosis has been thought of as a disease of unknown cause. Over the past 20 years, this paradigm has been shifting, more rapidly in the past 10 years. Epidemiologic studies, bolstered by case reports, have provided evidence of causal associations between occupational exposure to specific agents and sarcoidosis. Pathogenesis has been more clearly defined, including the role of gene-exposure interactions. The use of in vitro lymphocyte proliferation testing to detect sensitization to inorganic antigens is being examined in patients with sarcoidosis. These antigens include silica and certain metals. Results of studies to date show differences in immunoreactivity of occupationally exposed sarcoidosis cases compared with control cases, suggesting that lymphocyte proliferation testing may prove useful in diagnosing work-related disease. This review discusses recently published findings regarding associations between occupational exposure to silica and silicates, World Trade Center dust, and metals and risk for sarcoidosis, as well as advances in the development of diagnostic tools. Not all cases of sarcoidosis have an identified cause, but some do. Where the cause is occupational, its recognition is critical to enable effective treatment through removal of the affected worker from exposure and to inform intervention aimed at primary prevention.
Topics: Calcium Carbonate; Calcium Sulfate; Emergency Responders; Humans; Immunologic Tests; Lymphocyte Activation; Metals; New York City; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Sarcoidosis; Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary; September 11 Terrorist Attacks; Silicates; Silicon Dioxide
PubMed: 34102140
DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.06.003 -
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Mar 2021Lung diseases such as asthma and COPD are major public health issues and related to occupational exposures. While therapies to limit the development and progression of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Lung diseases such as asthma and COPD are major public health issues and related to occupational exposures. While therapies to limit the development and progression of these diseases are limited, nutrition interventions could offer potential alternatives to mediate the inflammation associated with these diseases. This is a narrative review of the current state of relevant nutrients on inflammation and respiratory outcomes associated with occupational exposures.
RECENT FINDINGS
Relevant nutrients that have been investigated in recent years include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, zinc, vitamin D, dairy products, and antioxidants. These nutrients have demonstrated the potential to prevent or modify the adverse outcomes associated with occupational exposures, primarily in preclinical studies. Current therapies for respiratory consequences associated with occupational exposures are limited; therefore, addressing strategies for reducing inflammation is important in improving quality of life and limiting health care costs. More human studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of nutrition as an intervention.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Dairy Products; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Lung Diseases; Milk; Nutritional Status; Occupational Diseases; Phytochemicals; Quality of Life; Vitamin D; Zinc Compounds
PubMed: 33768348
DOI: 10.1007/s11882-021-01003-0 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Sep 2017Burden of occupational disease estimation contributes to understanding of both magnitude and relative importance of different occupational hazards and provides essential... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Burden of occupational disease estimation contributes to understanding of both magnitude and relative importance of different occupational hazards and provides essential information for targeting risk reduction. This review summarises recent key findings and discusses their impact on occupational regulation and practice.
RECENT FINDINGS
New methods have been developed to estimate burden of occupational disease that take account of the latency of many chronic diseases and allow for exposure trends and workforce turnover. Results from these studies have shown in several countries and globally that, in spite of improvements in workplace technology, practices and exposures over the last decades, occupational hazards remain an important cause of ill health and mortality worldwide. Major data gaps have been identified particularly regarding exposure information. Reliable data on employment and disease are also lacking especially in developing countries. Burden of occupational disease estimates form an important part of decision-making processes.
Topics: Cost of Illness; Global Health; Humans; Occupational Diseases; Risk Factors; Workplace
PubMed: 28733964
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0151-2