Abstract
Introduction: Asthma is the most common respiratory disease in the workplace.
Aim: Determine the role of the profession in the development and/or aggravation of this disease.
Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of asthma patients followed up in the department of a pulmonary disease during a period of three months.
All working asthma patients were included. A pre-established file was used to collect socio-professional, medical and functional respiratory data of the patients.
Results: We collected 70 cases of asthma. The mean age was 46.63±13.92 years. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.45. Reversible obstructive ventilatory disorder was found in 80% of cases. Asthma was controlled in 17%, partially controlled in 63% and uncontrolled in 20%. Main occupations were housekeepers (22%), administrative workers (24%), bakers (6%) and painters (4%). The average job tenure of the population was 20.1±6 years. Asthma-causing agents were present in the occupational environment in 70% of cases. Allergens that could be incriminated were detergents (27%), vegetable textile dusts (10%), hair dyes (8%), paint products (4%), flour and cereals (6%).
The onset of asthma after employment was mentioned by 42 asthmatics with a mean delay of 11.38 ± 5.6 years. Pre-existing asthma aggravated by work was noted in 10% of cases. Work-related rhythmicity was found in 52% of cases. An improvement in asthma symptoms after avoiding exposure to the allergens in question was noted in 49% of cases.
Conclusion: The share of occupation as a risk factor for the onset and/or progression of Asthma was not negligible. This requires a systematic search for occupational origin in asthmatic workers and the application of adequate preventive measures
Footnotes
Cite this article as Eur Respir J 2022; 60: Suppl. 66, 3840.
This article was presented at the 2022 ERS International Congress, in session “-”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
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