Authors
Vandenplas-O; Henneberger-PK
Source
Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2007 Jun; 7(3):236-241
Abstract
Purpose of review Work-exacerbated asthma has received little attention until recent years, although it is likely that the condition has a considerable societal impact because of its high prevalence. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical analysis of recently published data pertaining to the socioeconomic outcomes of work-exacerbated asthma. Recent findings Recent data have confirmed that work-exacerbated asthma is associated with a similar impact on work productivity and earning capacity as immunologically mediated occupational asthma. The specific impact of work-exacerbated asthma on these outcomes should be further distinguished from the consequences of asthma unrelated to work. There is some suggestion that work-exacerbated asthma might be associated with higher rates of symptoms and exacerbations when compared with asthma unrelated to work. The impact of work-exacerbated asthma in terms of disease severity and healthcare utilization should therefore be further characterized. Summary The socioeconomic impact of work-exacerbated asthma should be taken into account in the management of this common, although often underestimated, condition. In addition, evaluating the economic burden of workexacerbated asthma and its various components is a key step in implementing cost-effective prevention policies.
Keywords
Occupational-respiratory-disease; Sociological-factors; Work-capacity; Disease-prevention; Irritants; Airway-obstruction; Administration; Health-care; Lost-work-days; Work-environment; Worker-health; Occupational-exposure; Immune-reaction
Contact
Olivier Vandenplas, Service de Pneumologie, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont-Godinne, B-5530 Yvoir, Belgium
Document Type
Journal Article
Email Address
olivier.vandenplas@pneu.ucl.ac.be
Source Name
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology