PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT

Treatment of environmental lung diseases typically involves limiting or avoiding exposures to the toxic substance. Chronic interstitial lung diseases (e.g., asbestosis, CWP) are not responsive to glucocorticoids, but acute organic dust exposures may respond to corticosteroids. Therapy of occupational asthma (e.g., diisocyanates) follows usual asthma guidelines (Chap. 131: Asthma), and therapy of occupational COPD (e.g., byssinosis) follows usual COPD guidelines (Chap. 133: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

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