The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48156

Robert Harrison, MD, MPH, Jennifer Flattery, MPH, and Jacqueline Chan, MPH. Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1901, Oakland, CA 94612, (510) 622-4404, rharris@itsa.ucsf.edu

Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common cause of lung disease encountered in the workplace. There is substantial evidence that early identification and treatment of WRA may improve clinical outcome, and therefore the recognition of "sentinel" workplace cases by health care providers is of paramount importance. Methods for the diagnosis of WRA, establishing causal relationship to workplace exposure, and utilizing the current NIOSH case definitions will be reviewed. Case examples will illustrate the importance of workplace follow-up in reducing exposures and preventing progression of clinical disease.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize the common causes of work-related asthma;
• Understand and apply the case definitions for work-related asthma;
• Assess the fundamental approach for the follow-up and prevention of further clinical disease.

Keywords: Occupational Disease,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.