Eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) is a condition which can be associated with occupational exposure to low, as well as to high molecular weight allergens. The prevalence of occupational eosinophilic bronchitis is unknown and the data concerning its work-related etiology are available only from the case reports. However, there is a need to establish the principles, especially in the context of medical certification among workers occupationally exposed to allergens. This paper reviews current knowledge on the etiology, clinical features, and diagnostic procedures in the eosinophilic bronchitis. The importance of EB, especially in view of the problems emerging in the prophylactic care taken by occupational health services and the principles of medical certification when occupational etiology is suspected are also presented. Med Pr 2013;64(4):569–578
PL
Eozynofilowe zapalenie oskrzeli (EZO) jest schorzeniem, które może być związane z zawodowym narażeniem na alergeny zarówno o dużej, jak i małej masie cząsteczkowej. Nie ma danych epidemiologicznych na temat częstości występowania EZO spowodowanego ekspozycją zawodową, a dostępne informacje o zawodowej etiologii choroby pochodzą z opisów przypadków klinicznych. Istnieje jednak konieczność opracowania zasad dotyczących orzecznictwa i profilaktyki EZO wśród pracowników zawodowo narażonych na czynniki o działaniu alergizującym. W pracy przedstawiono etiologię, obraz kliniczny oraz metody diagnostyczne eozynofilowego zapalenia oskrzeli. Omówiono również znaczenie tego schorzenia w medycynie pracy, szczególnie w aspekcie opieki profilaktycznej nad pracownikiem, oraz zasady orzecznictwa w przypadku podejrzenia zawodowej etiologii schorzenia. Med. Pr. 2013;64(4):569–578
Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be work-related. It has been estimated that 15% of the population burden of COPD is attributable to occupational exposure. However, in Poland COPD is rarely recognized as an occupational disease. The aim of the study has been to analyze the causes of the low prevalence of work-related COPD in the context of the existing criteria as well as to analyze which part of the assessment – clinical or hygienic one – is responsible for such a low rate of occupational COPD recognitions. Material and Methods: The study group included 150 patients hospitalized with a suspicion of occupational COPD. Each patient underwent a clinical examination, spirometry and reversibility test using bronchodilator. Moreover, hygienic evaluation of work conditions was performed in all the considered cases. Results: In the case of the patients who fulfilled the criteria for COPD diagnosis in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) occupational origins of the disease, the disease was not recognized because 24.1% of the individuals did not meet spirometric criteria included in a definition of COPD in the Polish list of occupational diseases, while 27.8% of the individuals did not fulfill the criterion of a documented exposure to dusts and irritant gases. None of these criteria was fulfilled by 42.6% of the patients. Conclusions: In our country, both clinical and hygienic criteria result in limitations in recognition of occupational COPD. There is the need to establish new guidelines for the recognition of COPD as a compensable disease in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(2):139–150
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.