scholarly journals Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function Status among Workers of Flour Mills in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dessalegn Demeke ◽  
Diresibachew W. Haile

Background. Flour dust in the respiratory tract affects lung function. Flour dust is a heterogeneous organic substance which can have a tendency to cause respiratory ailments. There is growing consensus on the deleterious effects of flour dust on respiratory symptoms and lung performance of flour mill workers. Methods. The study design was comparative cross-sectional. A total of 54 flour mill workers who work for more than eight-hour shift per day and 54 control subjects matched for sex, age, weight, height, and area of residence were enrolled. Anthropometric measurement was done. Lung function was measured by using a digital portable spirometer (Spiro Pro) based on the ATS guidelines. FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, and FEF25%  -75% were measured. Productive cough, dry cough, wheeze, and breathlessness were evaluated using BMRC questionnaire guidelines, administered through face-to-face interview. Result. This study showed statistically significant reduction in the mean values of pulmonary function tests in flour mill workers as compared to their matched controls. Reduction of pulmonary function indices in study subjects was significant for FVC (4.25±0.93 vs. 5.30±0.71, p<0.001), FEV1 (3.46±0.86 vs. 4.50±0.72, p<0.001), PEFR (5.43±2.43 vs. 7.87±2.53, p<0.001), and FEF25%  -75%, (3.87±1.61 vs. 4.60±1.60, p<0.05), but not significant for FEV1/FVC (81.93±12.74 vs. 83.40±12.50, p>0.05). Flour mill workers developed 27.7% of restrictive type and 11.1% of obstructive type of lung disorders. Percentage prevalence of respiratory symptoms was evaluated as dry cough (27.7% vs. 9.3%), productive cough (11.1% vs. 5.6%), wheeze (14.8% vs. 3.8%), and breathlessness (16.6% vs.7.4%) in flour mill workers and controls, respectively. Conclusion. Based on the results of the present study, occupational exposure to flour dust could cause respiratory dysfunction, thereby reducing lung efficiency.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 163-172
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar Jabbar ◽  
Retneswari Masilamani ◽  
Lim Zhi Yik ◽  
Chen Pei Fei ◽  
Loh Xin Ni ◽  
...  

The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (>80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekuriaw Mesfin Birhan ◽  
Yekoye Abebe

Background. Hypertension imposes stresses on many organs like heart and kidney. However, studies that show the effect of hypertension on the lungs are limited. Objective. To assess pulmonary function status of hypertensive patients aged 30-64 years at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, 2017. Methods. Hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 61 hypertensive patients (cases) and 61 nonhypertensive clients (controls) aged 30-64 years. Computerized spirometry was done in all cases and controls which were selected by systematic sampling technique. The study was conducted from January 20, 2017, to May 25, 2017. Result. The values of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25-75% were 3.52±1.02 liters, 2.97±0.89 liters, and 3.34±1.3 liters/second in hypertensive patients and 4.31±0.82 liters, 3.54±0.7 liters, and 3.94±1.09 liters/second in controls, respectively. These values were significantly lower (p<0.05) in hypertensive patients compared to controls. Restrictive pulmonary defect was dominant in hypertensive patients. FEV1% which was 85%±7% in hypertensive patients and 82%±5% in controls was significantly higher (p<0.05) in hypertensive patients compared to controls. Conclusion. Hypertensive patients exhibit lower pulmonary function values. Routine check-up of the pulmonary function status of such patients should be done to prevent undesired outcomes.


1985 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1485-1488 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Irwin ◽  
M. R. Pratter ◽  
D. H. Stivers ◽  
L. E. Braverman

To evaluate the possible relationship between asthma and hyperthyroidism, airway reactivity and lung function were prospectively compared in healthy volunteers before, during, and after liothyronine (triiodothyronine, T3)-induced hyperthyroidism. Base-line evaluation of the 10 subjects included clinical evaluation, thyroid and pulmonary function tests, and airway reactivity assessed by methacholine inhalational challenge (MIC). All studies were normal. During T3-induced hyperthyroidism, no subject developed respiratory symptoms or changes in pulmonary function or airway reactivity. The mean percent change in forced expiratory volume at 1 s from base line (delta FEV1) of -2.4 +/- 3.0 after MIC was not significantly different from that obtained before T3 administration (-1.4 +/- 1.5, P greater than 0.2). When all serum T3 concentrations and delta FEV1 values before, during and after T3-induced hyperthyroidism were compared, there was no significant correlation. We conclude that T3-induced hyperthyroidism of 3-wk duration has no effect on airway reactivity or lung function in normal volunteers.


2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 279-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritta de Cássia Canedo Oliveira Borges ◽  
José Cerqueira Barros Júnior ◽  
Fabrício Borges Oliveira ◽  
Marisa Andrade Brunherotti ◽  
Paulo Roberto Veiga Quemelo

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify respiratory symptoms and evaluate lung function in mine workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study involving production sector workers of a pyrochlore mining company. The subjects completed the British Medical Research Council questionnaire, which is designed to evaluate respiratory symptoms, occupational exposure factors, and smoking status. In addition, they underwent pulmonary function tests with a portable spirometer. Results: The study involved 147 workers (all male). The mean age was 41.37 ± 8.71 years, and the mean duration of occupational exposure was 12.26 ± 7.09 years. We found that 33 (22.44%) of the workers had respiratory symptoms and that 26 (17.69%) showed abnormalities in the spirometry results. However, we found that the spirometry results did not correlate significantly with the presence of respiratory symptoms or with the duration of occupational exposure. Conclusions: The frequencies of respiratory symptoms and spirometric changes were low when compared with those reported in other studies involving occupational exposure to dust. No significant associations were observed between respiratory symptoms and spirometry results.


Author(s):  
Hamidreza Pouragha ◽  
Hosein Kazemi ◽  
Gholamreza Pouryaghoub ◽  
Ramin Mehrdad

Background: Why is bodyweight not a predictor of lung function, while height, sex, race, and age are predictors of lung capacity and function? In this study, we want to investigate the association between body composition and pulmonary function. And, as much as possible, answer the question of why bodyweight is not predictive of lung function. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among 2967 employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) who participated in the TUMS Employees Cohort (TEC) study. The body composition of the participants was measured using the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) method. Anthropometric variables were also measured as a confounder. The pulmonary function of participants was assessed by a forced spirometry test. Results: The correlation of BIA values including fat-free mass and total body water with a pulmonary function such as FEV1, FVC, and FEF25-75 is higher than most anthropometric values such as weight, wrist circumference, and the waist to hip ratio. Also, in regression analysis, age and sex had an association with pulmonary function, but the weight did not show a significant relationship. On the other hand, fat-free mass and visceral fat were significantly associated with pulmonary function. One is direct and the other is inverse. Conclusion: We observed a negative association between visceral fat and pulmonary function tests and a direct association between Fat-free mass pulmonary function tests (FEV1 and FVC) adjusted for age, sex, and anthropometric indices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 52-56
Author(s):  
Jayaraj Harsoor ◽  
Vinod H. Ratageri ◽  
C. Shilpa ◽  
Shivanand Illalu ◽  
Prakash Wari

Objectives: The objective of the study was to study the pattern of lung functions in thalassemia major children and correlation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with serum ferritin. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study done from January 2017 to December 2017. Inclusion criteria: Children with confirmed diagnosis of beta-thalassemia major in the age group of 5–15 years were included in the study. Exclusion criteria: Already diagnosed cases of pulmonary dysfunctions, CHD and RHD were excluded from the study. All enrolled children underwent a detailed clinical history, physical examination and blood sample were sent for Hb and serum ferritin before blood transfusion (BT). PFT was done within 24 h of BT using spirometer (Helios-401). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Version22). Results: Forty-five children enrolled in the study and majority of them were <10 years (37 children) with M:F ratio 1.6:1. The pulmonary dysfunction was present in 35 (77.8%), but none of them had respiratory symptoms. The pulmonary dysfunction observed was restrictive 31 (88.5%), obstructive 2 (5.7%), and combined 2 (5.7%). A reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) % in 33 (73.3%), a reduced forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1%) in 25 (55.5%), a normal FEV1/FVC in 41 (91.2%), and a reduced FEF 25–75% in 23 (51.1%) children were observed. Risk factors such as, age, height, and duration of chelation (>5 years) were significantly associated with pulmonary dysfunction (P < 0.05). There was no correlation between serum ferritin levels and PFT. However, PFT values were found to be decreased in patients with a high serum ferritin (>2500 ng/ml), but these differences were statistically not significant. Conclusion: Abnormal patterns of lung function were common (restrictive type, predominant), even though none of these children had any respiratory symptoms.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Kitamura ◽  
Niina Terunuma ◽  
Shizuka Kurosaki ◽  
Koichi Hata ◽  
Masashi Masuda ◽  
...  

This study examines the relationship between toner-handling work and its health effects on self-reported respiratory symptoms. The subjects were 1,504 male workers in a Japanese toner and photocopier manufacturing company. Personal exposure measurement, pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray examination, measurement of biomarkers, and a questionnaire about self-reported respiratory symptoms were performed annually. This study discusses the questionnaire results. We found that the toner-handling group showed significantly higher prevalence of breathlessness than the never-toner-handling group. The significant reduction of pulmonary function and fibrosis change in the chest X-ray examination associated with breathlessness were not observed. However the morbidity of asthma was higher compared to the Japanese population in both of the toner-handling group and the never-toner handling group, the effect of toner exposure was not clarified. Nevertheless, while the toner exposure levels in the current well-controlled working environment may be sufficiently low to prevent adverse health effects, further studies are needed to assess the more long-term latent health effects of toner exposure.


Author(s):  
Vasann Saranya ◽  
Saranya Kuppusamy ◽  
Pravati Pal ◽  
Munisamy Malathi ◽  
Medha Rajappa ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundInterleukin-23 (IL-23), a key inflammatory regulator in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, is suspected to play a role in the onset of pulmonary dysfunction (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in psoriasis. Despite that, pulmonary function tests are rarely studied in these subjects. This study aims to seek a possible relation between pulmonary function in psoriasis patients serum IL-23.MethodsFor this analytical cross-sectional study, male psoriasis patients in the age group of 25–45 years were recruited from dermatology out patient department (n = 40). Age and BMI matched apparently healthy individuals were recruited as control group (n = 40). After obtaining demographic and personal details, anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were recorded. The severity of psoriasis was assessed using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. Pulmonary function was assessed using computerized spirometry, and serum IL-23 was measured using ELISA.ResultsForced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow rate, and forced expiratory flow at 25%–75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25%–75%) were significantly reduced in psoriasis. Based on the percentage of predicted values FEF25%–75% was significantly reduced in psoriasis. Serum IL-23 (pg/mL) was significantly higher in psoriasis. The increase in IL-23 in psoriasis subjects does not correlate with their pulmonary function.ConclusionsPsoriasis may be associated with a reduced lung function even when the disease is in the mild stage. Increased IL-23 found in these subjects is suggestive of systemic inflammation, which indirectly lowers lung function.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zemachu Ashuro Lagiso ◽  
Worku Tefera Mekonnen ◽  
Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽  
Abera Kumie Takele ◽  
Hailemichael Mulugeta Workneh

Abstract Background Occupational related respiratory diseases arise as a result of the deposition of dust particles in the lungs. Flour milling industries; generate organic dust during industrial processes, such as cleaning, milling, packaging, and loading which release dust into the air and later inhaled by workers. Flour mill workers are at risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, lung function and associated factors among flour mill factory workers. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 196 flour mill factory workers and 210 soft drinks factory workers. We selected study participants using a systematic sampling technique. We assessed the chronic respiratory symptoms using the questionnaire adopted from the British Medical Research Council. Binary logistic regression analysis with 95% CI and p < 0.05 was used to identify the factors. Lung function parameters; Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and ratio FEV1/FVC was measured by using spirometer and analyzed by using an independent t-test. Results We included 406 (96.7%) workers in this study. The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher among flour mill workers as compared to soft-drinks factory workers (56.6% vs.12.9%). Primary education (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI, 1.3–23.2), mixing department (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI = 1.68–16.56), work experience 6–9 years (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI = 2.05–12.48), work experience ≥10 years (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.01–6.11) and working over eight hours (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI, 1.16–5.10) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers. FVC (p < 0.002), FEV1 (p < 0.001) and FEV1/FVC (p < 0.012) were significantly reduced among flour mill workers. Conclusions We found chronic respiratory symptoms to be high among flour mill workers. Lower education level, mixing department, increased work experience, and longer working hours were identified factors. The flour mill dust exposed worker’s lung function parameters were highly reduced. This study suggested that workers’ dust exposure reduction and control methods in flour mill factories need to be implemented.


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