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Occupational lung disease

Occupational lung disease

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult respiratory and sleep medicine outpatient services for occupational lung disease.
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Any acute presentation of severe respiratory symptoms following clear inhalation or exposure incident to fume, dusts or vapours with:
    • Severe dyspnoea, cough, wheeze
    • Concern for respiratory failure
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate respiratory assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Nil

To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Respiratory assessment (external site).
Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • Any of the following symptoms in conjunction with a clear exposure to occupational fumes/dusts/vapours:
    • Cough
    • Wheeze and chest tightness
    • Dyspnoea (progressive or episodic)
  • A CT scan compatible with, or concerning for, an occupational lung disease
Mandatory information

Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
History
  • Occupation (including suspected or known exposures to occupational fumes/dusts/vapours)
  • Relevant history, onset, duration, and severity of symptoms
  • Smoking/vaping status and history
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
Examination
  •  Resting SpO2
Investigations 
  • CT thorax
Highly desirable
History
  • Occupational history
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • Previous CT scan – thorax
  • Previous lung function test results
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  •  Sudden profound respiratory symptoms after inhalation/exposure incident

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Progressive/persistent uncontrolled symptoms consistent occupational lung disease
  • Suspected asbestosis
  • Suspected silicosis

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • Incidental findings of asbestos exposure, e.g. pleural plaques in the absence of symptoms. Patients may be seen for lung cancer and mesothelioma
Exclusions
Useful information

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