Work-related asthma

A case report

Abstract

We present the case of a 31-year-old worker who has been working in a grain mill for 12 years and has developed work-related asthma.
The objective of this article is to present the foundations used to support the occupational origin of the acquired asthma.  The study describe the work tasks performed, the materials used, and the working methods. The work-related exposure to organic dust and its temporal relationship with respiratory symptoms is particularly analyzed.  This information allows us to understand the importance of working conditions and exposure to organic dust, a risk factor, for the development of this work-related respiratory pathology.   Measurements of maximum expiratory lung volume were made using the peak flow technique during and outside of the workday.   Expiratory flow variations greater than 20% were observed, both during and outside of the workday, which followed a similar symptomatic pattern as reported by the worker.
The study concluded that there is evidence of a causal link between asthma and work, thus suggesting the diagnosis of work-related asthma.
The importance of assessing occupational risks in each activity to implement health surveillance plans for both workers and the work environment is highlighted, aiming to prevent the onset and progression of this and other pathologies that often result in work incapacity and deterioration of workers’ quality of life.