[Work underlying respiratory symptoms?].
Every medical practitioner attending working-aged patients will encounter patients, whose respiratory symptoms are associated with work. Most commonly such symptoms constitute irritational symptoms of the respiratory passages or exacerbation of a disease such as asthma. Connection of the symptoms with work can easily be screened at the surgery visit with brief questions. In cases of suspected occupational disease, investigations by a specialized clinic are needed. Sometimes exclusion of occupational disease is required, before a decision can be made that the symptoms are caused by nonspecific stimuli. Even if the patient does not have an occupational disease, collaboration with occupational health services may prove fruitful.
Karvala
Kirsi
K
Työterveyslaitos, Terveys ja työkyky-osaamiskeskus, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki.
Toskala
Elina
E
D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires