Influence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Work Ability

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability worldwide. COPD cannot always be defined as an occupational disease, because it is more of a work-related disease or a disease that worsens at work, and the patient’s ability to work will depend on the degree and duration of lung function damage. Very clearly and unambiguously, apart from smoking as a risk factor for the development of COPD, the workplace and work environment are also important. In our research, the largest number of patients with COPD worked at workplaces with special working conditions and were exposed to chemical, physical, and biological hazards at the workplace, which brings with it an increased number of sick days due to frequent exacerbations of the disease and reduced work ability.