Spirometry and tests of bronchial hyperresponsiveness in population studies

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Pulmonary Physiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Spirometry in epidemiological studies provides objective data on occupational and environmental exposure effects.
• Exposure-response relationships are crucial for setting occupational exposure limits.
• Non-specific bronchial hyperresponsiveness (NSBH) measurement is vital for occupational asthma assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and utility of methacholine or histamine challenge testing for NSBH measurement in epidemiological settings.
• To highlight the role of NSBH measurement in screening at-risk workforces for occupational asthma.
• To emphasize the importance of standardization and quality control in field lung function testing.

Main Methods:

• Standardized methacholine or histamine challenge testing protocols.
• Spirometry for assessing acute and chronic effects of occupational/environmental exposures.
• Surveys and screening of workforces for occupational asthma risk.

Main Results:

• Methacholine or histamine challenge testing is safe in epidemiological settings when standardized protocols are followed.
• NSBH measurement is a valuable tool for clinical assessment and workforce screening for occupational asthma.
• Lung function testing in the field requires rigorous standardization and quality control for reliable results.

Conclusions:

• Lung function testing, including spirometry and NSBH measurement, is essential for epidemiological studies of occupational and environmental exposures.
• Standardized NSBH testing is safe and effective for identifying occupational asthma risks in epidemiological surveys.
• Success in field lung function testing hinges on strict standardization and quality control measures.