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Published on: October 8, 2013
Work-related respiratory symptoms and airway disease in hairdressers
G I Skoufi1, E Nena, K Kostikas
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Biopolis 41110, Greece. georgiaskoufi@yahoo.gr
Background:
Hairdressers are occupationally exposed to a number of agents in their workplace that result in respiratory symptoms and changes in pulmonary function.
Objective:
To evaluate associations between occupational exposure and respiratory function and reported symptoms in a group of hairdressers compared to a control group.
Methods:
A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and workplace characteristics was completed by 94 hairdressers and 39 age- and sex-matched controls. Spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements were also performed.
Results:
Hairdressers reported more severe dyspnea (p=0.03) and eye (p=0.001) and throat (p=0.007) irritation, compared to the control group, at the workplace; no differences were noted at home. Lower FEV1/FVC (p<0.001) and higher FeNO values (p=0.012) were observed in hairdressers. A larger working area and presence of window ventilation were associated with better pulmonary function.
Conclusion:
Worsening of symptoms and pulmonary function at workplace, and alleviating the symptoms at home, indicate that they may be related to occupational exposure.
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