Biomarkers in Occupational Lung Disease

Recent developments in occupational asthma

“…Geographic location seems to be a risk factor for developing OA. A recent review on occupational lung diseases [7] revealed that sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia were the regions with the highest risk for exposure to occupational asthmagens. This review also revealed that the global population attributable fraction for exposure to occupational sensitizer agents was 8.8%, which was found to be the highest risk factor for developing asthma among patients aged 35–39.…”

Updates on the Evaluation, Diagnosis, and New Manifestations of Occupational Lung Disease

“…Our article offers a review of global trends in occupational lung disease, describing the disturbingly large burden of disease caused by exposures in the workplace. 1 The first and most essential step in the comprehensive evaluation of any patient with respiratory symptoms is the occupational history which is reviewed in detail in by Weissman and Radonovich, with a guide to obtaining an exposure history along with referral to sources which can be of great help. 2 Medical surveillance and diagnostic evaluation of exposed worker populations often involves use and interpretation of physiologic and other biomarkers (described in detail by Dr. Yates) 3 as well as digital chest imaging which can now be evaluated by artificial intelligence applied to computer assisted diagnosis (described by Suganuma and colleagues).…”