scholarly journals Specific work activities and exposure to respiratory hazards - predictors of lung function impairment among crop farmers

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 41-51
Author(s):  
Sasho Stoleski ◽  
Jordan Minov ◽  
Dragan Mijakoski ◽  
Aneta Atanasovska ◽  
Dragana Bislimovska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Exposure Duration ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Specific Work ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Work Activities ◽  
Health Impairment

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the specific work activities and occupational exposure to respiratory hazards as predictors of chronic respiratory symptoms development, lung function decline, and respiratory health impairment among crop farmers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed, including 87 crop farmers (mean age: 53.4 ± 7.8 years; and mean exposure duration: 22.9 ± 7.8 years) and 80 office workers as a control group (mean age: 52.7 ± 8.2 years) matched for age, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status. Subjects were evaluated by a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and spirometry testing. RESULTS: Crop farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough (41.4), phlegm (28.7%), and dyspnea (21.8%), than controls (p < 0.05). All mean baseline spirometric parameters were lower in crop farmers, but statistical significance was confirmed only for MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75 (p = 0.003, p = 0.000, and p = 0.001, respectively). Most of the respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with common work activities of crop farmers and all-day exposure to certain respiratory hazards. Age, exposure duration, and their combined effect with smoking habit had a significant effect on forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that occupational exposure among crop farmers is associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline and, together with specific workflow activities, may not only be a predictors of respiratory health impairment, but also a key tool in the creation of preventive strategies.

scholarly journals Reduced Lung Function among Workers in Primary Coffee Processing Factories in Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 2415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samson Abaya ◽  
Magne Bråtveit ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Bente Moen
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Dust Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related

Dust exposure is one of the major risk factors for respiratory health in many workplaces, including coffee factories. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function reduction among workers in Ethiopian primary coffee processing factories, compared to a control group of workers. A total of 115 coffee workers and 110 water bottling workers were involved in this study, from 12 coffee and 3 water bottling factories in Ethiopia, respectively. The chronic respiratory symptoms were assessed using a structured interview, using a standardized questionnaire adopted from the American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lung function tests were performed according to the ATS recommendation for spirometry. The coffee workers had a significantly higher prevalence of coughing, coughing with sputum, breathlessness, work-related shortness of breath, and wheezing compared with the controls. The prevalence ratio of work-related shortness of breath (PR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.6–8.7) and wheezing (PR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.3–8.4) was significantly higher for the coffee workers compared to the controls. The coffee workers in the age groups 28–39 years and ≥40 years, had a significantly lower forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s compared to the controls in the similar age groups. The findings indicated the need for longitudinal studies on the possible effect of coffee dust on respiratory health of coffee production workers.

scholarly journals Snoring and nocturnal reflux: association with lung function decline and respiratory symptoms

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 00010-2019
Author(s):  
Össur Ingi Emilsson ◽  
Shadi Amid Hägg ◽  
Eva Lindberg ◽  
Karl A. Franklin ◽  
Kjell Toren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Lung Function Decline ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Habitual Snoring ◽  
Capacity Change ◽  
Sectional Analysis

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.

scholarly journals Prevalence of respiratory abnormalities and spirometric disparities among construction workers in Tangail, Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
M. R. Mogal ◽  
M. D. Islam ◽  
M. I. Hasan ◽  
Aklima Akter ◽  
M. R. Mahmod ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Marked Rise ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Construction Hazards

Background: Occupational exposure is a significant factor for having respiratory symptoms and impairment of lung function in the working population. Construction workers impose a great risk of respiratory diseases since they continuously expose to construction hazards at their working place. The objective of this study was to explore the status of respiratory health of construction workers as well as correlation of blood parameters with it.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among construction workers along with the control group (university staffs) by randomly selecting 50 individuals in each group from September 2019 to February 2020 in Tangail, Bangladesh. Questionaries’ survey was executed followed by spirometry and oximetry. After confirming abnormalities of lung function, blood was drawn for further IgE, ESR, and CRP analysis.Results: Significantly (p<0.05) higher percentage of respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea (24%), coughing (30%), sneezing (40%), discomfort of chest (18%) were found in construction workers. In addition, lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, PEF, PEF%, FEF25, and FEF2575) was significantly (p<0.05) lower in construction workers compared with control. Furthermore, both IgE (353.57±25.41) and ESR (17.87±5.25) also reported a marked rise in the number of construction workers (p<0.05).Conclusions: It can be concluded from our study that construction hazards might the cause of prevalent respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, and increased inflammatory markers such as IgE and ESR.

Respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities among welders in the welding workplace of the Indian unorganized sector

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Manish Dev ◽  
Arvind Bhardwaj
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Unorganized Sector

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

scholarly journals Reduced Cross-Shift Lung Function and Respiratory Symptoms among Integrated Textile Factory Workers in Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2741
Author(s):  
Yifokire Tefera Zele ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Wakgari Deressa ◽  
Bente E. Moen ◽  
Magne Bråtveit
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Textile Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Textile Factory

Chronic respiratory symptoms and reduction in lung function has been described as a common health problem among textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms among workers from an integrated textile factory. A comparative cross-sectional study design with a cross-shift lung function measurement was performed in 306 cotton dust exposed workers from an integrated textile factory and 156 control workers from a water bottling factory. An integrated textile factory typically has four main production departments (spinning, weaving, finishing, and garment) that process raw cotton and manufacture clothes or fabrics. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by adopting the standard American Thoracic Society questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and logistic and linear regression analysis were used. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among textile workers (54%) than in controls (28%). Chronic cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness were significantly higher among textile workers (23%, 33%, and 37%, respectively) than in the control group (5%, 17% and 6%, respectively). Breathlessness was the most prevalent chronic respiratory symptom with highest adjusted odds ratio 9.4 (95% CI 4.4–20.3). A significantly higher cross-shift lung function reduction was observed among textile workers (123 mL for FEV1 and 129 mL for FVC) compared with the control group (14 mL for FEV1 and 12 mL for FVC). Thus, workers’ respiratory health protection programs should be strengthened in textile factories.

scholarly journals Welding, longitudinal lung function decline and chronic respiratory symptoms: a systematic review of cohort studies

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 1186-1193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Szram ◽  
Susie J. Schofield ◽  
Martin P. Cosgrove ◽  
Paul Cullinan
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Cohort Studies ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Lung Function Decline

Interactions betweenSERPINA1PiMZ genotype, occupational exposure and lung function decline

2013 ◽  
Vol 71 (4) ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
A J Mehta ◽  
G A Thun ◽  
M Imboden ◽  
I Ferrarotti ◽  
D Keidel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Lung Function Decline

Efficacy and safety of HX 110-A and HX 110-B in promoting respiratory health: An 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Kyu Lee ◽  
Bumjo Oh ◽  
Seo-Young Yoon ◽  
Tae Yun Park ◽  
Eun Young Heo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Disease ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Clinical Pathology ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Background HX110-A and HX110-B are compound extracts based on radix adenophorae and rhizoma dioscoreae, respectively, which have anti-inflammatory activity. There are limited data on whether they may help improve respiratory conditions including lung function. Therefore, in this trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of HX110-A and HX110-B for the treatment of respiratory health in adults with mild respiratory symptoms. Methods/design This will be an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial with three arms. Adults more than 40 years old with persistent respiratory symptoms will be enrolled. Patients with definite respiratory disease or with a history of recent intake of antioxidants or anti-inflammatory agents will be excluded. Study subjects will be assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio into the following three arms: controls, experimental group 1 (HX110-A), and experimental group 2 (HX110-B). Control or experimental foods will be administered for 8 weeks, and follow-up will be up to 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be total antioxidant capacity. Secondary outcomes will be inflammatory indexes, respiratory symptoms, lung function, quality of life, and fatigue level. Safety outcomes will be assessed by monitoring adverse events and vital signs, and through clinical pathology tests. Conclusion We hope that this trial will reveal the effectiveness and safety of HX110-A and/or HX110-B for medical purposes in adults with respiratory symptoms. The results should clarify if active intake of specific foods with these functional compounds may promote respiratory health in adults without definite respiratory disease.

scholarly journals Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function among Ethiopian Women in Relation to Household Fuel Use

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mulugeta Tamire ◽  
Adamu Addissie ◽  
Abera Kumie ◽  
Emma Husmark ◽  
Susann Skovbjerg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Solid Fuels ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
European Respiratory Society ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

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.

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