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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced respiratory symptoms in nurses
Jordan Minov1, Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska, Kristin Vasilevska
1Department of Cardiorespiratory Functional Diagnostics, Institute for Occupational Health of R. Macedonia-WHO Collaborating Center and GA2LEN Collaborating Center, II Makedonska Brigada 43, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia.
Journal of Allergy
|July 13, 2011
Summary
Healthcare workers, including nurses, show similar rates of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms (EIRSs) and bronchoconstriction (EIB) as office workers. EIB is linked to asthma and allergies, but symptoms don't always indicate EIB.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms (EIRSs) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are common respiratory conditions.
- Healthcare workers may be at increased risk due to occupational exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of EIRSs and EIB in female nurses compared to female office workers.
- To identify factors associated with EIB in these groups.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 48 female nurses and 48 female office workers.
- Evaluations included questionnaires, skin prick tests, spirometry, and exercise/histamine challenges.
Main Results:
- Similar prevalence of EIRSs and EIB was observed in both nurses and office workers.
- EIB was associated with asthma, atopy, family history of asthma, and positive histamine challenge.
- Bronchial hyperresponsiveness to exercise was higher in nurses with EIB.
Conclusions:
- Nurses and office workers exhibit comparable rates of EIRSs and EIB.
- EIRSs are not always reliable indicators of EIB, with a high rate of false positives observed.
- Asthma, atopy, and family history are key predictors of EIB.
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