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Dust exposure in coeliac disease: a case-referent study
B Axmacher1, O Axelson, T Frödin
1Swedish Farmers' Safety and Preventive Health Association, Söderköping.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Individuals with coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis show higher rates of organic dust exposure, suggesting a link between these conditions and environmental factors like farm animals and cotton dust.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis are related autoimmune disorders.
- Chronic allergic alveolitis (farmers' lung) and organic dust toxic syndrome are linked to organic dust exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between coeliac disease/dermatitis herpetiformis and environmental factors, particularly organic dust exposure.
- To determine if individuals with these conditions have increased exposure to farm animals and dust.
Main Methods:
- A case-referent study comparing 105 individuals with coeliac disease/dermatitis herpetiformis to 237 general population referents.
- A mail inquiry was used to assess exposure to various environmental factors, including farm animals and dust.
Main Results:
- Cases reported higher exposure to farm animals and cotton dust compared to referents.
- Odds ratios indicated an increased risk associated with exposure to farm animals and cotton dust, though sample sizes for dust were small.
Conclusions:
- Coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis may be associated with increased exposure to organic dust, common in animal husbandry.
- Further research is needed to confirm the link between these conditions and specific environmental exposures, considering potential underreporting of dust exposure.