scholarly journals Maternal age at delivery, lung function and asthma in offspring: a population-based survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 1601611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Gómez Real ◽  
John A. Burgess ◽  
Simona Villani ◽  
Julia Dratva ◽  
Joachim Heinrich ◽  
...  

There is limited information about potential impact of maternal age on the respiratory health of offspring. We investigated the association of maternal age at delivery with adult offspring's lung function, respiratory symptoms and asthma, and potential differences according to offspring sex.10 692 adults from 13 countries participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) II responded to standardised interviews and provided lung function measurements and serum for IgE measurements at age 25–55 years. In logistic and linear multilevel mixed models we adjusted for participants’ characteristics (age, education, centre, number of older siblings) and maternal characteristics (smoking in pregnancy, education) while investigating for differential effects by sex. Maternal age was validated in a subsample using data from the Norwegian birth registry.Increasing maternal age was associated with increasing forced expiratory volume in 1 s (2.33 mL per year, 95% CI 0.34–4.32 mL per year), more consistent in females (ptrend 0.025) than in males (ptrend 0.14). Asthma (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.79–0.92) and respiratory symptoms (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.92) decreased with increasing maternal age (per 5 years) in females, but not in males (pinteraction 0.05 and 0.001, respectively). The results were consistent across centres and not explained by confounding factors.Maternal ageing was related to higher adult lung function and less asthma/symptoms in females. Biological characteristics in offspring related to maternal ageing are plausible and need further investigation.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e032511
Author(s):  
Erla Bjornsdottir ◽  
Eva Lindberg ◽  
Bryndis Benediktsdottir ◽  
Thorarinn Gislason ◽  
Vanessa Garcia Larsen ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo compare the prevalence of different insomnia subtypes among middle-aged adults from Europe and Australia and to explore the cross-sectional relationship between insomnia subtypes, respiratory symptoms and lung function.DesignCross-sectional population-based, multicentre cohort study.Setting23 centres in 10 European countries and Australia.MethodsWe included 5800 participants in the third follow-up of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey III (ECRHS III) who answered three questions on insomnia symptoms: difficulties falling asleep (initial insomnia), waking up often during the night (middle insomnia) and waking up early in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep (late insomnia). They also answered questions on smoking, general health and chronic diseases and had the following lung function measurements: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. Changes in lung function since ECRHS I about 20 years earlier were also analysed.Main outcome measuresPrevalence of insomnia subtypes and relationship to respiratory symptoms and function.ResultsOverall, middle insomnia (31.2%) was the most common subtype followed by late insomnia (14.2%) and initial insomnia (11.2%). The highest reported prevalence of middle insomnia was found in Iceland (37.2%) and the lowest in Australia (22.7%), while the prevalence of initial and late insomnia was highest in Spain (16.0% and 19.7%, respectively) and lowest in Denmark (4.6% and 9.2%, respectively). All subtypes of insomnia were associated with significantly higher reported prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Only isolated initial insomnia was associated with lower FEV1, whereas no association was found between insomnia and low FEV1/FVC ratio or decline in lung function.ConclusionThere is considerable geographical variation in the prevalence of insomnia symptoms. Middle insomnia is most common especially in Iceland. Initial and late insomnia are most common in Spain. All insomnia subtypes are associated with respiratory symptoms, and initial insomnia is also associated with lower FEV1.


Author(s):  
Mulugeta Tamire ◽  
Adamu Addissie ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Emma Husmark ◽  
Susann Skovbjerg ◽  
...  

Exposure to household air pollution has been linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function. This study aims to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function among Ethiopian women in relation to exposure to HAP. We conducted a cross-sectional study among non-smoking women responsible for household cooking. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms and risk factors using a validated questionnaire. Spirometry with reversibility testing was performed according to American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines. We used independent t-test and multivariable logistic regression to compare the means and measure association respectively. A total of 545 women participated in the study out of which 231 (42.3%) performed spirometry with at least three acceptable manoeuvres. Everyone in the rural group and 43% of the urban group were exposed to HAP from solid fuels during cooking. The odds of developing at least one respiratory symptom when compared with those using cleaner fuels are twice as high for women cooking within the living house. We also found significantly lower forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) (L) among solid fuels users compared with cleaner energy users. Given the larger population settlement in the rural areas and the use of solid fuel as the only energy source, there is a higher risk of developing chronic respiratory health problems for those women in Ethiopia.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0242226
Author(s):  
Martin W. Njoroge ◽  
Sarah Rylance ◽  
Rebecca Nightingale ◽  
Stephen Gordon ◽  
Kevin Mortimer ◽  
...  

Purpose The aim of this article is to provide a detailed description of the Chikwawa lung health cohort which was established in rural Malawi to prospectively determine the prevalence and causes of lung disease amongst the general population of adults living in a low-income rural setting in Sub-Saharan Africa. Participants A total of 1481 participants were randomly identified and recruited in 2014 for the baseline study. We collected data on demographic, socio-economic status, respiratory symptoms and potentially relevant exposures such as smoking, household fuels, environmental exposures, occupational history/exposures, dietary intake, healthcare utilization, cost (medication, outpatient visits and inpatient admissions) and productivity losses. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function. At baseline, 56.9% of the participants were female, mean age was 43.8 (SD:17.8) and mean body mass index (BMI) was 21.6 Kg/m2 (SD: 3.46) Findings to date The cohort has reported the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (13.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.9–15.4), spirometric obstruction (8.7%, 95% CI, 7.0–10.7), and spirometric restriction (34.8%, 95% CI, 31.7–38.0). Additionally, an annual decline in forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] of 30.9mL/year (95% CI: 21.6 to 40.1) and forced vital capacity [FVC] by 38.3 mL/year (95% CI: 28.5 to 48.1) has been reported. Future plans The ongoing phases of follow-up will determine the annual rate of decline in lung function as measured through spirometry and the development of airflow obstruction and restriction, and relate these to morbidity, mortality and economic cost of airflow obstruction and restriction. Population-based mathematical models will be developed driven by the empirical data from the cohort and national population data for Malawi to assess the effects of interventions and programmes to address the lung burden in Malawi. The present follow-up study started in 2019.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 00010-2019
Author(s):  
Össur Ingi Emilsson ◽  
Shadi Amid Hägg ◽  
Eva Lindberg ◽  
Karl A. Franklin ◽  
Kjell Toren ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe study aim was to examine the association of snoring and nocturnal gastro-oesophageal reflux (nGOR) with respiratory symptoms and lung function, and if snoring and/or nGOR associated with a steeper decline in lung function.MethodsData from the third visit of the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) was used for cross-sectional analysis. Pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed, and information on sleep, nGOR and respiratory symptoms was collected (n=5715). Habitual snoring and nGOR were assessed by questionnaire reports. Pre-bronchodilator spirometry from ECRHS I, II and III (20 years follow-up) were used to analyse lung function changes by multivariate regression analysis.ResultsSnoring and nGOR were independently associated with a higher prevalence of wheeze, chest tightness, breathlessness, cough and phlegm. The prevalence of any respiratory symptom was 79% in subjects with both snoring and nGOR versus 56% in those with neither (p<0.001). Subjects with both snoring and nGOR had more frequent exacerbations (adjusted prevalence 32% versus 19% among “no snoring, no nGOR”, p=0.003). Snoring but not nGOR was associated with a steeper decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s over 10 years after adjusting for confounding factors (change in % predicted −5.53, versus −4.58 among “no snoring”, p=0.04) and forced vital capacity (change in % predicted −1.94, versus −0.99 among “no snoring”, p=0.03).ConclusionsAdults reporting both habitual snoring and nGOR had more respiratory symptoms and more frequent exacerbations of these symptoms. Habitual snoring was associated with a steeper decline in lung function over time.


2021 ◽  
pp. oemed-2020-107325
Author(s):  
Jate Ratanachina ◽  
Andre Amaral ◽  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Paul Cullinan ◽  
Peter Burney

ObjectiveTo assess the association of lung function and respiratory symptoms with farming, particularly pesticide use, in an agricultural province in Thailand.MethodsWe undertook a cross-sectional survey of adults aged 40–65 in Nan province, Thailand, between May and August 2019. We randomly recruited 345 villagers and enriched the sample with 82 government employees. All participants performed post-bronchodilator spirometry and completed a questionnaire covering information on respiratory symptoms, farming activities, pesticide use and known risk factors for respiratory disease. Associations of respiratory outcomes with farming and pesticide exposures were examined by multivariable regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 94%. The prevalence of chronic airflow obstruction among villagers was 5.5%. Villagers had, on average, a lower percent predicted post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) than government employees (98.3% vs 100.3%; p=0.04). There was no evidence of association of lung function with farming activities, the use of specific herbicides (glyphosate and paraquat), insecticides (organophosphates and pyrethroids) or fungicides. The exceptions were poultry farming, associated with chronic cough and an increase of FEV1/FVC, and atrazine, for which duration (p-trend <0.01), intensity (p-trend <0.01) and cumulative hours (p-trend=0.01) of use were all associated with higher FEV1/FVC in an exposure–response manner. Cumulative hours (−280 mL/hour), low duration (−270 mL/year) and intensity (−270 mL/hour/year) of atrazine use were associated with lower FVC.ConclusionsChronic airflow obstruction is uncommon among villagers of an agricultural province in Nan, Thailand. Farming and pesticide use are unlikely to be major causes of respiratory problems there.


Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Manish Dev ◽  
Arvind Bhardwaj

BACKGROUND: Welding is one of the most hazardous professions across the globe. Several risk factors are associated with Indian unorganized welding units such as welding gases, fumes and dust particles resulting in various respiratory health problems. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, their associated factors and lung function impairment amongst the welders of the unorganized sector in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 283 welders of age group 18–55 years from Punjab, India who responded to the interviewer-administrated respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Also, the lung function parameters of 50 male welders (exposed group) and 50 male non-welders (control group) working in the same environment were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough (38.86%), phlegm (38.86%), shortness of breath (33.56%), wheezing (32.15%), chest tightness (36.40%,) and sputum (34.27%) was reported by the welders. The observed mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio of welders were (3.37±0.175), (2.59±0.16) and (76.63±6.16) respectively and that of non-welders were (3.70±0.15), (3.05±0.25) and (82.49±7.62) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The welders were found to be at significant risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Long working hours, low level of education, hazardous working conditions, lack of implementation of safety laws make welders more vulnerable to health risks. The welders of Indian unorganized sector work without any technical training related to welding and safety. Proper orientation sessions about the workplace hazards and to maintain hygiene at their workplace should be organized. Welders must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Welders should take proper health check-up and medication to sustain healthiness


2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 375-380 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley P Kirychuk ◽  
Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan ◽  
James A Dosman ◽  
Victor Juorio ◽  
John JR Feddes ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether poultry production methods impact respiratory health, and whether poultry farmers have more respiratory symptoms and lower lung function than comparison control groups.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.SETTING: Provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba during the winters of 1997 to 1999. POPULATION: Three hundred three poultry workers, 241 grain farmers and 206 nonfarming control subjects were studied. Poultry workers were further classified according to the poultry housing type in which they worked, ie, workers who worked with poultry raised on the floor (floor-based operations), which included broiler/roaster, broiler/breeder and turkey operations (n=181), and workers who worked with poultry raised in a caged setting (cage-based operations), which included egg operations (n=122).INTERVENTIONS: Subjects completed a respiratory health questionnaire, which included questions on the poultry operation and work habits, and participated in lung function testing.MAIN RESULTS: Overall, this study indicated that poultry workers report greater prevalences of current and chronic respiratory symptoms than control populations, and that the type of production method (cage-based versus floor-based) appears to influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function values. Workers from cage-based operations report greater prevalences of current cough and wheeze, as well as lower mean values for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) and FEV1/FVC than workers from floor-based facilities. Workers from cage-based facilities also reported greater prevalences of current and chronic cough and phlegm, as well as significantly lower FEF25-75 and FEV1/FVC values than nonfarming control subjects. Furthermore, grain farmers had lower FVC and FEV1 values than nonfarmers.CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the type of poultry production system (ie, floor- versus cage-based) appears to have an effect on the respiratory response of workers from these facilities. Further studies are required to understand the physiological mechanisms of respiratory dysfunction and the relationships concerning workplace exposure among poultry workers.


2000 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 320-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan ◽  
James A Dosman ◽  
Karen M Semchuk ◽  
Helen H McDuffie ◽  
Allan J Cessna ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE:To assess the changes in respiratory health from winter to summer seasons in a rural population.DESIGN:A longitudinal design was used in the study.SETTING:A population-based study was conducted as part of the Environmental Pesticide Exposure and Human Health component of the Prairie Ecosystem Study (PECOS) in southwestern Saskatchewan.PATIENTS:In the winter season, 358 patients participated in the study. Of these patients, 234 returned for the second assessment during the summer season. After excluding 34 children aged 17 years and under, 200 adult patients were available for analysis.MEASUREMENTS:Questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic factors, smoking habits, occupational and environmental exposures, and respiratory conditions. Pulmonary function measurements were obtained using a volume displacement spirometer.RESULTS:Mean ages (± SD) of the 106 men and 94 women participating in the study were 50.1±13.3 and 49.0±13.1 years, respectively. Mean percentage changes in maximal midexpiratory flow rate from winter to summer assessments indicated an improvement for town residents and a decline for farm residents. Mean percentage changes in the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity indicated an improvement for town residents who were not engaged in farming, and increasing declines for town residents engaged in farming, farm residents not engaged in farming and farm residents engaged in farming.CONCLUSIONS:Seasonal changes occurred in measurements of pulmonary function between winter and summer seasons; these changes may be related to the environmental or occupational exposures experienced by the participants during the study.


2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 1801795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herman T. den Dekker ◽  
Kimberley Burrows ◽  
Janine F. Felix ◽  
Lucas A. Salas ◽  
Ivana Nedeljkovic ◽  
...  

RationaleWe aimed to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in cord blood DNA associated with childhood lung function, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across the life course.MethodsWe meta-analysed epigenome-wide data of 1688 children from five cohorts to identify cord blood DMRs and their annotated genes, in relation to forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio and forced expiratory flow at 75% of FVC at ages 7–13 years. Identified DMRs were explored for associations with childhood asthma, adult lung function and COPD, gene expression and involvement in biological processes.ResultsWe identified 59 DMRs associated with childhood lung function, of which 18 were associated with childhood asthma and nine with COPD in adulthood. Genes annotated to the top 10 identified DMRs were HOXA5, PAOX, LINC00602, ABCA7, PER3, CLCA1, VENTX, NUDT12, PTPRN2 and TCL1A. Differential gene expression in blood was observed for 32 DMRs in childhood and 18 in adulthood. Genes related with 16 identified DMRs were associated with respiratory developmental or pathogenic pathways.InterpretationOur findings suggest that the epigenetic status of the newborn affects respiratory health and disease across the life course.


Author(s):  
Sunday Oghuvwu ◽  
Eruke Egbagbe ◽  
Joshua Aigbirior ◽  
Bright Oniovokukor ◽  
Gregory Erhabor

Introduction: There is a paucity of data on the respiratory health status of workers in bottling factories in Benin City, Nigeria. Such data will help to drive future studies and influence policy development on occupational health and safety in the country. This study assesses the respiratory symptoms and spirometric indices of exposed workers and controls. Methods: Respiratory symptoms and spirometric parameters of 18 workers on routine mandatory annual lung screening were assessed using the modified MRC (Medical Research Council) questionnaire and spirometer respectively, according to the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS) guidelines. Results: The mean age of workers was 35.1 ± 6.7 years. Workers and controls were similar in age, sex, BMI (Body Mass Index) and health status (p > 0.05). Respiratory symptoms were significantly higher among workers compared to controls. Overall, the result was statistically significant in the variables of wheeze in a smoky or dusty environment, presence of at least one respiratory symptom, better symptoms at weekends and better symptoms during holidays (p < 0.05). In particular, 6 (33.3%) exposed workers had wheeze in a smoky or dusty environment, 9 (50.0%) exposed workers reported at least one respiratory symptom compared with 2 (11.1%) controls, 5 (27.8%) had better symptoms at weekends, and 7 (38.9%) had better symptoms at holidays (p < 0.05). Generally, the reported frequency of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers were: cough (22.2%), sputum production (5.6%), breathlessness (11.1%) and wheeze (44.4%). Similarly, workers had significantly lower spirometric indices than controls, particularly in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF 25–75%) measurements. Conclusions: This study provides evidence of adverse respiratory health effects among bottling factory workers which requires further investigation.


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