Occupational asthma remains a common disease worldwide. The prognosis of individuals with occupational asthma is better if they are removed from exposure quickly, particularly within a year of first symptoms. If the diagnosis of occupational asthma is incorrect, advising individuals whose asthma is not caused by work to be removed from exposure may have unnecessary financial and social consequences.
This guideline deals primarily with asthma caused by work due to sensitisation to allergens found in the workplace. PREVENTION Primary prevention Primary prevention of occupational asthma can be achieved by carrying out a comprehensive risk assessment of the workplace, allowing a reduction in exposure to asthmagens and through an appropriate health surveillance programme. Secondary prevention Secondary prevention of occupational asthma will also potentially arise as part of a health…
