[High incidence of work-related disease among asthmatics on sick-leave].

Background: We have previously shown that work-related asthma is substantially underreported and usually not notified to the Labour Inspection Authority until it has become chronic and interferes with future work. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether conditions relating to individuals are important for the susceptibility to work-related asthma and to assess whether there is a correspondence between patients' and physicians' perception of the importance of exposure to work in relation to the disease.

Material And Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 824 workers (56% women) aged 18-55 years, who had been on sick leave > 16 days in the years 2000-2003.

Notified cases of occupational asthma in Norway: exposure and consequences for health and income.

Background: Estimates of occupational asthma (OA) may vary between countries and within countries. An overview of cases of occupational asthma in Norway has not been presented previously. Norwegian physicians are obliged to report occupational diseases to the Labor Inspection Authority.