[Bronchial hyperreactivity of employees in swine and cattle breeding]

In order to estimate the frequency of nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity we investigated 167 pig farmers, 102 cattle breeders and 112 control persons with a bronchial screening test with acetylcholine. We found a significant higher rate of bronchial hyperreactivity in pig farmers (16.2%) versus 7.8% in cattle breeders and 4.3% in control persons. Smokers showed a higher rate of hyperreactivity than non-smokers but non-smoking pig farmers had a higher rate of hyperreactivity (11.5%) than smokers in the control group (4.3%). In farmers with respiratory symptoms we found more positive test-results than in asymptomatic farmers. The results underline our former investigations into health effects on the respiratory system brought about by exposure to live-stock especially in swine confinement buildings.