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Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in farmers
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Farmers experience more respiratory symptoms and reduced lung function compared to non-farmers. This study highlights potential occupational health risks for farmers, impacting their pulmonary health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Agricultural work may expose individuals to dusts, allergens, and irritants.
- Respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function are potential health outcomes in farming populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare respiratory health and pulmonary function between farmers and a rural control group.
- To identify specific respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits associated with farming.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to 1,824 farmers and 556 control subjects in Saskatchewan.
- Pulmonary function tests were conducted to measure lung volumes and airflow rates.
- Data were statistically adjusted for age and smoking status.
Main Results:
- Farmers reported higher prevalences of phlegm, wheeze, shortness of breath, and chronic bronchitis.
- Significantly lower values were observed in farmers for forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expired volume in one second (FEV1), and maximum midexpiratory flow rate.
- The FEV1/FVC ratio was slightly, yet significantly, greater in farmers.
Conclusions:
- Farmers exhibit increased respiratory symptoms and reduced lung volumes and airflow rates compared to non-farming rural controls.
- The findings suggest potential occupational respiratory diseases in farmers.
- A slightly elevated FEV1/FVC ratio may indicate a mixed obstructive and restrictive pattern of lung disease.