This page was last reviewed 21-05-20
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Dr Peter Reid, Respiratory Consultant, Western General Hospital has developed a specific interest in occupational lung disease.
Occupational lung disease is common but challenging. The diagnosis may affect the health and career prospects of the worker and sometimes their work colleagues.
Important issues include;
- consent
- specialist reporting
- interface with solicitors.
Who to refer
Occupational asthma is the most common Occupational Respiratory Disease.
All adult asthmatics should be asked whether their symptoms improve on days away from work or on holiday
All patients with suspected OA should be referred to a specialist.
Occupational asthma (OA) The most commonly reported occupations include:
- animal handlers
- bakers & pastry makers
- chemical workers
- food processing
- hairdressers
- paint sprayers
- health professionals
- timber workers
- welders.
Other occupational lung diseases include:
- pneumoconiosis
- coal workers pneumonconiosis
- silicosis
- asbestos-related diseases
- pleural plaques – further information
- diffuse pleural thickening
- asbestosis
- mesothelioma
- lung cancer.
Who not to refer
Check with the fuller version entries
Do not refer patients with:
- suspected lung cancer – refer to the lung cancer service urgently.
How to refer
- SCI-Gateway
- Refer to new patient clinic, Thursday morning, WGH
