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Diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate among grain elevator workers
1Department of Respiratory Diseases, Aalborg Hospital, Denmark.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Diurnal variation in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) was higher in grain elevator workers who smoke or have work-related respiratory symptoms. Age and smoking significantly impacted PEFR diurnal variation, highlighting potential diagnostic challenges.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonary Physiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Diurnal variation (DV) in peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a known indicator of respiratory health.
- Grain elevator workers may be exposed to dust and other respiratory irritants.
- Understanding factors influencing PEFR DV is crucial for occupational health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diurnal variation in PEFR among grain elevator workers.
- To identify factors associated with increased PEFR DV in this population.
- To assess the diagnostic implications of high PEFR DV.
Main Methods:
- 132 grain elevator workers participated in the study.
- Three daily PEFR measurements were taken over three weeks.
- DV was calculated as a percentage of the mean daily PEFR.
Main Results:
- The median PEFR DV for the group was 5.9%.
- DV was significantly higher in smokers and those with work-related pulmonary symptoms.
- Age and smoking were significant predictors of DV; grain dust exposure showed a trend towards significance.
Conclusions:
- Age and smoking status are key determinants of PEFR DV in grain elevator workers.
- High PEFR DV can occur in individuals without spirometric evidence of obstructive disease, potentially masking conditions like asthma.
- PEFR monitoring may offer insights beyond standard spirometry in occupational settings.