Tuberculosis, Lung Infections, and Respiratory Care

Environmental and Occupational Lung Diseases

Environmental and occupational lung diseases encompass a broad spectrum of respiratory conditions caused or exacerbated by exposure to harmful substances in the workplace or the environment. Common agents include dust, fumes, chemicals, gases, asbestos, silica, and biomass smoke, which can lead to diseases such as pneumoconiosis, occupational asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. The burden of these conditions is significant, particularly in industrialized settings and regions with poor air quality or limited occupational safety regulations. Early recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent irreversible lung damage and reduce long-term morbidity.

Diagnosis relies on a combination of detailed exposure history, clinical evaluation, pulmonary function testing, and imaging studies. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and chest X-rays can detect characteristic patterns of lung injury, while bronchoscopy and biopsy may be required for definitive diagnosis. Management primarily focuses on minimizing or eliminating exposure to causative agents, providing pharmacologic therapy for symptom relief, and implementing pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function and quality of life. Preventive strategies, including workplace safety measures, environmental regulations, use of personal protective equipment, and public health policies, play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of these diseases.