Occupational Lung Disease Service

Welcome to the Occupational Lung Disease Service

Occupational lung disease covers all lung conditions caused by, or made worse by, workplace exposures. Patients will be seen in clinic where a comprehensive history exploring potential workplace exposures will be taken.

Investigations include blood tests, lung function, specific challenge tests and serial measures of lung function. This may involve removal or relocation in the workplace to improve presenting symptoms. Cases are reviewed in the North West regional occupational lung disease multidisciplinary team (MDT), which is held monthly.

We accept referrals from other respiratory consultants, occupational health physicians and GPs.

What is Occupational Lung Disease?

Occupational lung disease includes lung conditions that develop because of exposures in the workplace and includes asthma, interstitial lung disease (scarring and inflammation in the lungs), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ‘COPD’ (emphysema and chronic bronchitis), asbestos-related conditions (asbestosis, pleural plaques and thickening, mesothelioma and lung cancer), silicosis and other pneumoconioses (conditions caused by dust inhalation). Workplace exposures may cause new conditions to develop or worsen underlying conditions, and we can help to determine this.

The occupational lung disease service at Wythenshawe Hospital is one of several centres in the UK providing this important service. As a patient, you will see a specialist in occupational respiratory medicine who will advise on diagnosis, management at work and treatment of all lung diseases which might be due to work. If you have developed a disease as a result of exposures in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation. We can give advice and help with industrial injuries disablement benefits and common law compensation.

What tests might I have?

• Blood tests
• Lung function tests (breathing tests) in and out of the workplace
• X-rays
• CT scanning
• Review of workplace exposures (material safety data sheets)
• Specific challenge tests

Possible treatment options

• Standard disease therapies
• Review of impact on work and advice regarding workplace exposures, relocation and compensation issues
• MDT review of cases in conjunction with team at North Manchester

Our Team

Our team is made up of consultants and specialist registrars (doctors in training).