Analyse des dossiers d’asthme professionnel reconnu sur une période de 15 ans dans une population du Nord de la Tunisie

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Because of their frequency and their medical and socioprofessional impact, respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, are a major occupational health problem. Indeed, these diseases are currently the third most common occupational disease reported to the CNAM in Tunisia. ObjectivesTo describe the socioprofessional, clinical and paraclinical characteristics of occupational asthma in Tunisia in the private sector, to identify the occupational risk factors that cause this disease, and to evaluate the medicolegal consequences of compensation for this occupational disease. MethodsA descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study covering all cases of occupational asthma recognized as occupational diseases and compensated in the northern region of Tunisia, studied by medical commissions empowered to set rates for permanent partial disability caused by either a work-related injury or an occupational disease over a period of 15 years (2002–2016). ResultsA total of 127 cases of occupational asthma were collected between January 2002 and December 2016 in the northern region of Tunisia, corresponding to 11% of all occupational diseases recognized during this period study. The average patient age of is 40.47 years, with a slight predominance among females (59%). The average duration of exposure is 13.92 years. The sector most concerned is the clothing and textile industry (33.07%), with a rise in the automotive accessories sector (15.74%) in the northern region of Tunisia. The allergens to which workers were exposed were mainly textile and vegetable dust, including 32.28% cotton. In second place were isocyanates with 29 cases (22.83%), followed by formic aldehyde (9.44%) and flour 8.66%. Association of occupational allergic rhinitis with occupational asthma was reported in 26/127 cases. In total, 13,712 working days were lost and the average IPP rate was 22%; 70% of our population are no longer active and have lost their jobs after compensation. ConclusionThe prognosis of occupational asthma depends on early and rigorous diagnosis as well as the establishment of a consensual approach in the compensation practices adapted to the actual situation prevailing in our country.