Occupational Lung Disease is a work-related lung disease that reaches its peak in certain work environments. Exposure to certain chemicals that are inhaled through the nose or mouth is the main cause of occupational lung disease. These irritants may include smokestacks, exhaust fires, construction, mining, and agriculture site irritants.
Symptoms of occupational Lung Disease vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of occupational Lung disease are mentioned below:
- Difficulty in breathing which is often worse with activity
- Chest pain
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Abnormal breathing pattern
- Recurrent respiratory infection
- Fever or chills
Occupational Lung Disease due to Inhalation of Dust:
It is also referred to as pneumoconiosis and is caused by the accumulation of dust particles in the lungs. The most common pneumoconiosis is coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (caused by inhaling coal dust), silicosis (caused by respiring in airborne crystalline silica, dust found in the air of mines, blasting operation, clay, stone, and glass manufacturing facilities), and asbestosis (caused when a person respires in tiny asbestos fibers).
People with pneumoconiosis are at greater risk of acquiring other lung disorders.
Occupational Lung Disease Due to Inhalation of Chemicals:
It is an unusual type of lung irritation which is also known as chemical pneumonia or occupational asthma. It is caused by inhaling particular harmful chemicals at the workplace, such as gases, fumes, vapors, etc. Tissue oxygenation is significantly affected, and injury to the lung parenchyma, upper airways, and lower airways occur.
Occupational Lung Disease Due to Inhalation of Proteins:
Lung disease due to the inhalation of proteins is also called Hypersensitivity pneumonitis. It is caused by respiring in some animals, bacteria, fungus, spores, or plant protein. Mold hay, bird droppings, and other organic dust are the sources of protein. Consequently, fibrous scar tissue in the lungs can occur, which also leads to difficulty in breathing.
How Can We Diagnose Occupational Lung Disease?
Tests recommended by the doctors to figure out the type and severity of the lung disease are:
Bronchoscopy:
In this, a flexible tube is used, which is passed through the mouth or nose to view the inside of the lungs. It assists in diagnosing blockages, lung complications, and taking out fluid or tissue samples.
Pulmonary Function Test:
It is done to examine how well your lungs are working.
CT (computed tomography) Scan:
This is an imaging test used to make detailed images of the body via X-rays and a computer. Therefore, a CT scan is preferable to regular X-Rays. This test helps diagnose lung diseases, note disease progression and evaluate response to the treatment.
Preventive Measures Against Occupational Lung Disease:
To prevent occupational lung disease, we have to follow the following steps:
- Avoid smoking and alcohol as much as you can. Take the alcohol-free food.
- If you feel even minor symptoms of lung disease, use protective devices like a face mask or respirators.
- Check how well your lungs are working by using a spirometer.
- Understand the risks of lung diseases at work. Protect yourself to reduce the risk.
References:
- Foundation, W. (2022, January 19). Occupational lung disease. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from en.wikipedia.org
- Medicine, J. H. (2022). Occupational lung diseases. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from hopkinsmedicine.org
- Rice, A. (2020, May 27). Occupational respiratory disease - lung condition. familydoctor.org. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://familydoctor.org/condition/occupational-respiratory-disease/