[Prophylactic care of apprentices occupationally exposed to allergens]

Abstract

An increase in the frequency of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, in the children population has been observed over several last decades. This trend is reflected in the increasing number of young workers who suffer from allergy and asthma. The problem determines a new challenge to physicians responsible for medical prophylactic care of this group of patients. Active occupational counseling should be performed especially by general practitioners and occupational medicine specialists in in cooperation with allergologists. Apprenticeship is a period of increased risk of work-related respiratory allergic diseases, particularly in the case of occupational exposure to high molecular weight agents. An adequate prophylactic care of apprentices exposed to aeroallergens at workplace may help to reduce work-related allergic health problems, mainly by supporting adolescents in choosing their jobs.