Young patients with allergy need career advice
In Germany, approximately 1/3rd of apprentices are at elevated risk of occupational asthma, allergies, and dermatitis.
Katja Radon et al. use a systematic search of the literature as the basis for investigating the advice doctors should give to young people with allergic sensitization or a manifest prior allergic disorder, regarding their future careers, as published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International.
Globally, approximately 16% of asthma cases and probably a high percentage of hand eczema cases in adulthood are attributed to occupational exposure.
However, the predictive value of a personal history of allergic diseases for the later development of an occupationally induced disease is limited, so only young people with severe asthma or allergic eczema should be advised against higher-risk occupations.
Some high risk occupations include work as hairdressers, zookeepers, farm workers, welders, textile workers, bakers/pastry chefs, nurses, etc.
The authors of the study believe it is important that young people predisposed to allergies be informed of their individual risk and appropriate preventive measures.
They should be followed-up at regular intervals for 2 to 3 years after the beginning of occupational exposure, so that any early treatment and individual protection measures can be implemented.
If sensitization or allergic symptoms arise, it should be carefully considered whether exposure reduction will enable the apprentice to stay on the job.
All efforts should be made to ensure they are fit to do the job; in case not, suitable alternate job should be discussed!
