Evaluation of Spirometric Parameters and Chronic Airway Symptoms among Commercial Flour Mill Workers

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 13, No. 10, October 2023 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130073

Original Research Article

Evaluation of Spirometric Parameters and Chronic Airway Symptoms among Commercial Flour Mill Workers

Festus M. Tetteh¹, Kingsley C. Amadi², Arthur J. Bond¹*

¹Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.

²Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Occupational inhalation of respirable organic flour dust induces chronic airway inflammation, leading to progressive ventilatory changes. This cross-sectional analytical study evaluated the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and alterations in pulmonary function indices among commercial flour mill workers. We matched 150 male flour millers exposed to organic dust for at least 2 years with 150 unexposed healthy male control subjects based on age, height, and body mass index. Respiratory symptom profiles were captured using a standardized questionnaire, and lung parameters were measured via computerized spirometry. Flour millers demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of chronic productive cough (36.7% vs. 9.3%, p < 0.01), persistent wheezing (22.7% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.01), and exertional dyspnea (28.0% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01) than the control group. Spirometric evaluation showed significant reductions in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (3.28 ± 0.38 L vs. 3.88 ± 0.42 L, p < 0.01) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) (2.38 ± 0.31 L vs. 3.21 ± 0.35 L, p < 0.01) in the exposed group. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also significantly lower in flour millers (72.56 ± 4.8% vs. 82.73 ± 3.4%, p < 0.05), indicating an obstructive pattern of respiratory impairment. Stratified analysis revealed a significant inverse correlation between the duration of occupational exposure and FEV1 reductions (r = -0.55, p < 0.01). Occupational exposure to flour dust significantly impairs lung indices and increases respiratory symptoms. Implementing engineering controls such as local dust extraction systems and requiring personal protective respirators are necessary to protect worker health.

Keywords: Flour Dust, Occupational Exposure, Spirometry, Forced Expiratory Volume, Airway Obstruction, Respiratory Symptoms

Manuscript Timeline: Received: July 14, 2023; Revised: August 22, 2023; Accepted: September 10, 2023; Published: October 13, 2023.

Citation: Tetteh FM, Amadi KC, Bond AJ. Evaluation of Spirometric Parameters and Chronic Airway Symptoms among Commercial Flour Mill Workers. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2023, 13(10): 73–80. DOI: 10.46882/2023/IJMMS/130073

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