[Occupational medical pneumology - what's new?].

In case of obstructive, interstitial and malignant respiratory and lung diseases, occupational causes must always be searched for. The sensitivity and specificity of specific IgE determinations in the diagnosis of occupational asthma are only slightly above 70 %, even for high-molecular allergens. If the patient's medical history is positive, further diagnostics must be carried out, if necessary up to specific exposure testing in specialised institutions. New data show that the serial FeNO determination after working days compared to days off contains additional information that can lead to a positive diagnostic classification. In case of interstitial lung diseases, (avoidable) occupational triggers must be searched for - a new questionnaire provides practical assistance. Patients with lung carcinoma should also be investigated for occupational causes. Here too, questionnaires and tables are available in simple language. In future lung cancer caused by long-term exposure to passive smoke will be considered an occupational disease.