Is it possible that i may have had the wrong diagnosis
Please Help
I have worked within the motor vehicle repair industry for 25 years, some of that time as a paint sprayer with no problems, unfortunately I have been unable to work for the past four years after supervising the spray paint-shop for 6 months, I was unable to continue working within the spray paint-shop as whilst in there my breathing became restricted, I was also experiencing chest pains, and had constant flu like symptoms, Unknowingly I had been exposed to isocyantes on a daily basis for about 12 months due to faulty equipment, my GP signed me off sick, and approximately 3 months later I managed to see an asthma specialist/professor, at this time my condition had got worse, and I was now getting severe allergic/asthma type reactions that were now being triggered by perfumes, washing powders ,aftershaves, paints, petrol /diesel fumes, just to name a few, upon smelling these products my breathing became restricted, my eyes and face get a burning sensation, and I feel as if I need to be sick, I usually become disorientated and unable breath normally until l am away from the triggers and into fresh air, if the smell is too strong I can’t breath at all, once I have recovered I become exhausted and usually have a skin rash on my face, the Asthma/ professor told me this condition was beyond his sphere of competence and that in his opinion I did not have OA, my condition still remains the same to this day and has not improved ,Does this sound like Occupational Asthma to anyone ?do I need a second opinion?
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Occupational asthma in the paint spraying trade (causes include isocyanates) is well recognised. The usual history is of breathing problems which are better on days away from work and during holidays. Occupational asthma may develop many years after initial exposure.
Chest pain and flu like symptoms are not commonly seen in occupational asthma. However, it is possible to have other disorders which cause the above symptoms concomitantly in a worker with occupational asthma; this would need further investigations.
Once a worker develops occupational asthma, he may have persistent symptoms which are triggered by non-specific stimuli like you describe (perfumes, washing powder, smoke etc). This is similar to what is seen in non-occupational asthma.
When occupational asthma is suspected in the above settings, serial peak flow measurements during work and rest periods are suggested as a preliminary investigation – this will demonstrate if there are work related deterioration in your lung function. The charts for recording this are available from this website.
Your General Practitioner or Chest Physician usually has access to a specialist respiratory physician who specialises in occupational lung disease. You may wish to discuss this further with them, to facilitate this, if appropriate.
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Unfortunately, breathing in various fumes, dust, gases and vapours within the workplace can cause Occupational asthma. A work related lung disease is extremely serious and potentially dangerous health problem that can ruin lives. Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and painful coughing are just some of the symptoms that occupational asthma sufferers may have to deal with on a daily basis.
Occupational Asthma Claim questions:
Do you think your asthma or respiratory problem may have been caused or worsened by work?
Have you worked at that company in the last 3 years?
If you can answer 'Yes' to these questions you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Our compensation services are free. For more free advice email me at support@asthmaclaims.net or view our asthma forum at www.asthmaclaims.net
William
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