Essay 1 - Occupational diseases - definition, classification, list of occupational diseases. Main diagnostic principles. Treatment, expertise and medical prophylaxis

what is an occupational disease ?

Disease that has occurred exclusively or mainly under the influence of harmful factors of the work environment or the work process on the organism and is included in the list of occupational diseases

Classification based on Etiology

Chemical

Physical dusts

Allergens

Biochemical

Bio mechanical

Classification by localisation

Internal organs

Pulmonary

CVS

Musculoskeletal

CNS

3 Classifications for occupational disease - based on non occupational diseases

Specific occupational diseases

Conditional occupational diseases

Paraoccupational diseases work-related

What is a specific occupational disease?

caused only by risk factors of the working environment and/or work process, the etiological factor can only be occupational, not domestic examples for this category is

types of specific occupational diseases

silicosis

foundry

polymer fever

vibration disease

caisson disease

What is a conditional occupational disease?

also found in non-occupational systemic, infectious and parasitic diseases, impairment of the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system

types of conditional occupational diseases:

Chronic occupational bronchitis/asthma, occupational infectious

parasitic diseases

diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, cataracts and others

What is a para-occupational disease?

aggravated by the work place or in some other cases due to risky/bad conditions, partly caused by work, unlocked and/or worsened, exacerbated by occupational exposures to risk factors and/or are the cause of impaired working capacity, but are not the main cause of the diseases

Induced by non occupational factors

types of para-occupational diseases:

Duodenal ulcer

hypertension

neurosis

List of occupational diseases

- list of diseases specific to each country

- connected with specific industries in state and level of technological development

Health hazards that could lead to occupational diseases

- *Dust, Gases or Fumes*

- *Toxic substances*

- *Noise, Vibration and radiation*

- *Infectious germs or viruses*

- *Extreme temperatures or pressure*

Criteria for diagnosis and evaluation of occupational disease

- ANAMNESIS

- paraclinical investigations

- x rays

- chest radiography

- functional tests -> Spirometry, CVS, NS

- blood tests

What is the aim of laboratory and paraclinical test?

Detection of the toxic substance or its metabolite in blood, urine, saliva, hair for the diagnosis of chronic poisoning

Identify changes in:

· Vibrational sensation, distal autonomic function in vibration disease

· radiography and lung function tests in pneumocosis

· CT scan and bronchial provocation tests for bronchospastic conditions

· Tonal audiometry with typical parameters for occupational neuritis of the auditory nerve

Treatment of occupational diseases

- Treatment of *musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders* requires improvement of blood supply of brain and other related structures

- All relevant methods of physio, balneo, kinesi therapy are applied

- *For acute intoxications*- fast elimination of poison via detoxification and depuration are done

- *Antidote therapy (heavy metals)*

- *Symptomatic remedies*

- *Anti-inflammatory treatment*

- *Physiotherapy*

Prophylaxis

- *Primary*- prevents diseases before manifestations

- *Secondary- aims to detect OD early and to prevent development by applying prophylactic measures*

- *Tertiary*- measures that affect development of already manifested diseases. Aim is to prevent recurrence and disability

- *Adequate protection clothing*

- *Adequate time limits* working in exposure to harmful substances

- *Special measuring devices*

- *Hygienic*

- *Medical*

- *Technical*

Difference between occupational disease VS occupational accident

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