Via practica 9/2005

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE IN GENERAL PRACTITIONER´S OFFICE

The broad spectrum of occupational risk factors in workplace still contribute to the morbidity and mortality of exposed workers. However, occupational diseases continue to be underrecognized in a primary care setting. General practitioner can play a crucial role in improving the recognition of occupational diseases, preventing progressive illness, and contributing to the protection of other exposed co-workers. The occupational history is indispensable for the diagnosis and management of all work – related health problems. Author presents short characteristics of some most frequent occupational diseases and a systemic approach in taking the occupational history in general practice.

Keywords: occupational disease, general practitioner, occupational history.