Asthma History a Factor in Career Choices
Physical Exertion Involved in Work or Play can Trigger Attacks
Jan 5, 2009
Young adults with a history of asthma may want to talk to a knowledgeable doctor or occupational therapist when making decisions about their future careers. The workplace is where people spend a lot of their time, so people with potential health problems should take that into consideration when choosing a career path.
Relationship Between Physical Work and Asthma
It has long been suspected that the physical exertion involved in work and play can trigger an asthma attack, but little medical evidence has been found to support this suspicion until now. Dr. Shlomo Moshe of Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine giving doctors a new way to advise patients who may be at risk.
Dr. Moshe’s research, which is reported in Occupational Medicine, will also help young adults with asthma to find safe, suitable employment.
Asthma is Epidemic in America
According to the information in the press release about the study, asthma has reached epidemic proportions in America and is the leading chronic disease in children; asthma is an inflammation of the air passages that narrows the transport of air into the lungs.
Asthma is a serious condition that can be deadly, as eleven people die from asthma daily. Asthma causes about 40,000 people to miss work or school, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This large number of people who miss work or school due to asthma means that the condition has an enormous economic impact on society.
“The diagnosis of asthma is increasing in the western world. Some say it’s because of genetics, pollution, and more accurate diagnostic tools,” says Dr. Moshe. “I tried to tackle what happens from the occupational hazards side. Under what conditions do young adults develop asthmatic attacks? How can doctors better recognize this under-diagnosed disease?”
Consider Asthma History When Choosing Career
Dr. Moshe’s research evaluated the relationship between people with asthma in childhood and episodes of attacks after these subjects entered the adult workforce.
This recent research indicates that a medical history of asthma should be considered when choosing an occupation. If a person wants to be in a job that is physically active like being a football player, health should be an important consideration. Since asthma can have several triggers, people should listen to their doctor’s advice about professions like baking, carpentry, technical fields and working with chemicals.
Doctors may find this research useful when counseling young adults about career goals, particularly if a career may have a negative effect upon their health.
