Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in relation to the occupational environment
Authors:
N. Dzurovčínová; S. Perečinský; Ľ. Legáth
Authors‘ workplace:
Klinika pracovného lekárstva a klinickej toxikológie LF Univerzity P. J. Šafárika a Univerzitnej Nemocnice L. Pasteura, Košice, Slovenská republika
Published in:
Pracov. Lék., 78, 2026, No. 1-2, s. 23-30.
Category:
Review Papers
Overview
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a major global health problem with increasing prevalence and a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. The disease is characterized by persistent, not fully reversible airflow limitation resulting from chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and progressive remodelling of the lung parenchyma. Although smoking remains the primary risk factor, long-term occupational exposure to dust, gases, and chemical fumes also plays a significant role, contributing to approximately 14% of COPD cases. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on the etiopathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of COPD, with particular emphasis on occupational exposure. Epidemiological data indicate a high prevalence of COPD worldwide, with a substantial proportion of patients remaining undiagnosed, representing a significant public health concern. Diagnosis is primarily based on spirometry demonstrating persistent airflow obstruction, while additional methods such as body plethysmography, diffusion capacity testing, and imaging techniques provide a more comprehensive assessment of disease severity and phenotype. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification integrates lung function parameters, symptom burden, and exacerbation risk, forming the basis for individualized therapeutic strategies. Biomarkers play an important role in both the pathogenesis and diagnosis of COPD, reflecting inflammatory processes, oxidative and carbonyl stress, as well as tissue remodelling and systemic manifestations of the disease. Their application may improve the identification of high-risk individuals and contribute to the development of personalized medicine approaches. Treatment of COPD is complex and includes both non-pharmacological interventions, particularly smoking cessation and pulmonary rehabilitation, and pharmacological therapy based on bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, and combination regimens.
Keywords:
biomarkers – occupational exposure – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOPD) – Global initiative for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (GOLD)
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Labels
Hygiene and epidemiology Hyperbaric medicine Occupational medicineArticle was published in
Occupational Medicine
2026 Issue 1-2
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