BTS publishes new Clinical Statement on Occupational Asthma.

Occupational Asthma accounts for around 1 in 6 cases of adult-onset asthma, and most commonly is caused by individuals developing an allergy to something in the workplace. Investigating Occupational Asthma is often complex, and wherever possible should be carried out in a specialist centre.

Diagnosis relies on taking a detailed occupational history, and the results of a number of different objective tests that confirm a link between asthma and a workplace exposure. In addition to standard asthma treatment, management is focussed around ceasing exposure to the cause; where this is not possible, clinicians should work with each patient to find the best balance between long-term health and employment.

The Statement published in Thorax provides clinical practice points on both diagnosis and management of the disease, but also background information on workplace health surveillance and prognosis. For completeness, a number of appendices also provide additional information to cover irritant induced asthma, legislation and guidance for workplace respiratory disease, the differential diagnosis of Occupational Asthma and audit criteria for primary and specialist care settings.

Dr Chris Barber, Chair of the Clinical Statement group said:

“Being in work is important for a number of reasons, not just to provide a source of income, but also to provide people with purpose, social interaction, structure and identity. Unfortunately, for many patients, the diagnosis of allergic Occupational Asthma is delayed, adversely affecting asthma severity and increasing the risk of unemployment.

“If spotted early enough, some patients can effectively be cured, if workplace adaptations can be made that completely prevent further exposure to the cause – early referral to a specialist centre offers patients the best chance of a good outcome.

“This Clinical Statement provides healthcare workers with simple guidance on how to screen patients with asthma for a possible occupational cause, aiming to reduce diagnostic delays in primary and secondary care.”

An interview with Dr Barber about the need for the guidance provided by this document can be read on Respiratory Futures.