Associations between Occupational Asthma and Obesity in the Central Region of Tunisia

Risk factors for the severity of occupational asthma (OA) are often attributed to occupational exposure. However, some recent epidemiological data suggest a link with obesity. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between obesity and the severity of (OA) assessed by non-specific bronchial provocation.

We conducted an epidemiological descriptive retrospective study including patients who were referred to the Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse, for (OA) and who have completed a non-specific bronchoprovocation test to metacholine.

Our population consisted of 131 cases of (OA) with a female predominance. The average BMI was 27.34 ±5.30 kg. Obesity was observed in 29.8% of cases. The non-specific metacholine bronchial provocation test revealed an average dose of PD20 at 750.4 ±656.3 μg. Severe (OA) was observed in (35.1%). After univariate analysis, obesity in asthmatics had a significant association with age (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.005), average professional seniority (p<0.001), the evolution of complaints (p=0.035) and abnormal initial spirometry (p=0.044). As for the severity of (OA), the univariate analytical study did not show a significant link with obesity (p=0.68).

The association between obesity and OA is not an easy task and should be made using more accurate tools to measure body fat percentage. The preventive role of the occupational physician is essential in factories in order to make more prudent decisions when employing workers with a high BMI in high-risk occupations. Hence the importance of regular monitoring of weight in workers exposed to asthmatics during periodic examinations.