Occupational Medicine
Discussion on Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS):
Chronic and recurrent asthma-like respiratory symptoms resulting from toxic inhalation exposures have been recognized for many years. In 1985, this characteristic post-chemical injury asthma-like syndrome was formally recognized in clinical observations by Brooks and colleagues, who coined the term “Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS).” Brooks and associates described 10 patients who developed an asthma-like condition…
Read MoreDiscussion on Etiology & Natural History of Rotator Cuff Tears:
Rotator cuff pathology can be caused by extrinsic or intrinsic causes. Extrinsic examples include a traumatic tear in tendons from a fall or accident. Overuse injuries from repetitive lifting, pushing, pulling, or throwing are also extrinsic in nature. Intrinsic factors include poor blood supply, normal attrition or degeneration with aging, and calcific invasion of tendons.…
Read MoreOccupational Asthma
To be diagnosed with occupational asthma, several criteria have to be met. First of all, the individual must have an exposure at the workplace to specific agents that cause the employee to have an asthmatic reaction. It should be an exposure that is unique to the workplace, specific at the workplace and quantifiable at the…
Read MoreIndoor Mold-Related Illness
The issue of mold-related health problems, and in particularly Stachybotrys (“black mold”), is a controversial one. There are known health effects that can result from exposure to certain molds, a form of fungi, such as Aspergillus, which is known to cause occasionally respiratory symptoms. The generalized and often popularized “toxic mold syndrome” and its resultant…
Read MoreDiscussion on Metal Working Fluid Exposure Limits
Inhalation of Metal Working Fluid (MWF) mists that exceed OSHA levels can cause irritation of the lungs, throat and nose. Irritation may affect upper respiratory areas including nose, throat, oral pharynx, lungs, and bronchi. Symptoms reported after inhalation can include sore throat, red and watery eyes, itchy eyes, runny nose and other cold like…
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