Doctors called on to identify workplace-induced asthma
September 15, 2004
Doctors and practice nurses were today called on to identify the possible cause of asthma when diagnosing patients, especially where the disease may be traced to the workplace. New guidelines ask doctors and practice nurses to help prevent occupational asthma by, for example, asking patients about the nature of their work and their workplace.
The guidelines published today by the British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF), supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), will help doctors and practice nurses recognise and report asthma cases where the disease may have been caused or exacerbated at work. Early identification of the cause is crucial when prescribing treatment and preventing long-term damage to the lungs.
For at least one in ten of all adults who suffer from asthma, work is the cause. There are between 1,500 and 3,000 new cases each year, costing society £1.16 billion over the next ten years. But these figures are an under-estimate; many asthma cases go unreported because doctors do not identify work as the possible cause. And many more cases, though not caused by work, are made worse by it.
Asthma is a debilitating disease which can strip people of their health and their livelihood. It is especially prevalent in the UK, where 4% of adults are asthma sufferers.
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission said: "Individuals, companies and professional bodies can all play their part in reducing cases of occupational asthma and consequent days lost. These new guidelines will help identify the disease at an earlier stage, enabling treatment to be given more quickly and reducing the number of cases."
This story was first carried on the Health and Safety Executive website.
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