The aim was to study the asthma prognosis and the work ability of men with asthma since youth, using the Finnish Defence Force registers to select the study populations.

Results show both mild and more severe asthma at the age of around 20 seems to be associated with reduced work ability among middle-aged men. Furthermore, current occupational exposure may be associated with asthma exacerbations among men with relatively severe asthma in youth. 
Health care providers should therefore carefully follow men with asthma that began in youth, support their work ability and pay close attention to their work environment