Respiratory Problems
Workplace respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases are conditions affecting the lungs, airways, and breathing tissues, causing symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Respiration can be impaired in various ways:
1. The airways may be blocked
2. The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs may be affected by inhalation of smoke or fumes
3. The function of the lungs may be impaired by chest injury
4. Breathing mechanism may be affected by conditions such as asthma
An average man's lungs can hold approximately 6 liters (10 pints) of air; a woman's lung can hold 4 liters(7pints) of air.
When lungs cannot hold the required amount of air—the body struggles to maintain the necessary oxygen levels and remove carbon dioxide.
This leads to severe breathing difficulties and potential organ damage due to insufficient oxygen supply.
THE CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
1. Airway obstruction
The airway can be obstructed internally and externally. The main causes are:
- Inhalation of a foreign object
- Blockage by the tongue
- Blockage from blood or vomit
- Internal swelling of the throat
- Asthma
- External pressure to the neck
2. Hanging and strangulation
Hanging is the suspension of the body by a noose around the neck
Strangulation is constriction or squeezing around the neck or throat.
They exert pressure on the outside of the neck, squeezing the airway and the flow of blood to the lungs is cut off.
3. Hyperventilation
Or excessive breathing is commonly a manifestation of acute anxiety and may accompany a panic attack. Causes abnormal loss of carbon monoxide from the blood leading to chemical changes within the blood
4. Asthma
The muscles of the air passages in the lungs go into spasm and the linings of the airway swell. As a result, the airways become narrowed, which makes breathing difficult.
4 Key Strategies for Preventing Workplace Respiratory Illnesses
Engineering Controls (Best Practice):
-exhaust systems should be used to remove hazardous fumes and dust.
-indoor ventilation should be improved to improve air quality.
-dangerous materials should be substituted with safer alternatives whenever possible.
Administrative Controls:
-sick leave policies should be implemented to allow sick employees to stay home without penalty.
-vaccination against Influenza should also be encouraged
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
-proper use of masks and respirators should be ensured to protect against airborne contaminants and lung irritants.
Hygiene Protocols:
-regular handwashing with soap and water (or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol) should be encouraged.
-There should be a Routine cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces like door handles, keyboards, and phones.
Occupational respiratory diseases are dangerous but they are preventable. Future success depends on collaborative efforts between employers, policymakers, and employees, healthcare professionals to implement proactive, evidence-based measures.
