[Respiratory tract symptoms among farmers keeping animals in Midt-Norge]

In this survey from central Norway, the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in a representative sample of 1,580 farmers who kept domestic animals was compared with the prevalence of such symptoms among 655 controls, both sexes included. The farmer group experienced more symptoms that were exacerbated by work than the controls did (mucous membrane irritation 19% versus 10%, tightness in the chest 7% versus 4%, dyspnoea 4% versus 1% and cough with phlegm 25% versus 22%). No difference could be found between the groups as regards the prevalence of organic dust toxic syndrome or chronic bronchitis. The occurrence of symptoms was correlated to the number of working hours per day, and to the number of years the person had worked with animals. Farmers who kept cattle, pigs or poultry all showed raised prevalence of respiratory symptoms. The results indicate that the working environment of farmers who kept domestic animals may cause respiratory disorders.