Related Experiment Videos
Correlation between respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in asbestos-exposed workers
C A Brodkin1, S Barnhart, G Anderson
1Occupational and Environmental Medicine Program, University of Washington, Seattle 98104.
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Respiratory symptoms like cough and wheeze correlate with reduced lung function in asbestos-exposed workers. The American Thoracic Society questionnaire effectively identifies these issues, aiding in respiratory health assessments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Respiratory symptom questionnaires are common but often lack validation against objective pulmonary function measures.
- Assessing the link between reported symptoms and actual lung function is crucial for accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if respiratory symptoms reported via the American Thoracic Society (ATS-DLD-78A) questionnaire are associated with diminished pulmonary function.
- To validate the ATS questionnaire as an epidemiologic tool by correlating symptom responses with spirometric data.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 816 asbestos-exposed workers.
- Symptoms were assessed using the ATS-DLD-78A questionnaire.
- Pulmonary function was measured using spirometry, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
Main Results:
- Cough, phlegm, wheeze, and dyspnea showed an inverse relationship with pulmonary function.
- Chronic bronchitis, cough, and phlegm were linked to a 2-8% reduction in FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.001).
- Wheeze and dyspnea were clinically more significant, causing an 11-17% reduction in FVC and FEV1 (p < 0.001).
- Wheeze, dyspnea, and roentgenographic fibrosis independently predicted restrictive lung impairment.
Conclusions:
- The ATS questionnaire is a valid tool for epidemiologic studies of respiratory health.
- Patient-reported respiratory symptoms are significant indicators of reduced pulmonary function.
- Clinical history, including symptom assessment, is vital for evaluating the respiratory status of exposed workers.