Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders

Abstract

Abstract This large chapter deals with ENT, respiratory and cardiac diseases highly relevant to the routine practice of occupational health. Using the format of Epidemiology, Clinical features and aetiology, Causal exposures/industries, Individual susceptibility, Clinical assessment and diagnosis, Prognosis, Compensation, Health surveillance, Relevant legislation and guidance for each condition the diseases are described and practical points emphasized. All globally significant occupational lung diseases are mentioned with their important occupational exposures by inhalation. The use of the reporting schemes RIDDOR & Surveillance of Work-related and Occupational Respiratory Disease (SWORD) are described. The key issues of occupational asthma and rhinitis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (also known as Extrinsic allergic alveolitis), pneumoconioses and Lung cancer have major discussions with associated reference tables. Asbestos-related diseases and silicosis (from respirable crystalline silica RCS) remain important in routine OH practice. The increasing relevance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) are recognized with topical reviews. Within the section on Nasal disorders a special mention has been allocated to Sinonasal cancer (SNC) with its occupational implications.