Look for work-related causes of asthma, doctors told

Hospital doctors are being urged to consider whether a patient’s asthma could be caused or linked to their work during diagnosis and treatment, following the publication of new guidance from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP).

The guidance advises hospital doctors to question patients with respiratory problems about their job, the materials they work with and whether their symptoms improve when they are away from the workplace. The aim is to help spot and prevent cases of work-related asthma.

According to the RCP, one in six cases of asthma among people of working age are either caused or aggravated by occupational factors, making it vital that doctors advise sufferers on preventive measures.

The guidance can be found at: http://bit.ly/I8hqF5

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