Variations in the Pulmonary Function Tests Interpreted through Spirometry in Cotton Mattress Workers and their Correlation with the Occupation - A Study

Objective: The following are the main objectives of the present study:-1.To evaluate the health hazards of the cotton mattress workers after prolonged exposure to cotton dust.2.To assess the spirometric profile in these cotton mattress workers. 3.To examine the relationship of the degree of impairment of long functions with duration of exposure.

Materials and Method: A total number of study groups of 30 male cotton mattress workers working for more than 5 years from the material for the present study. In addition, a control group of 15 male cases were also taken for evaluation. A detailed history and clinical examination was done, other coexisting lung diseases like Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension and smokers were excluded. Spirometric (pulmonary function test) evaluation was done with the aid of Medispiror spirometer. Results were analyzed.

Results: 100% of the study group is symptomatic in the order of cough, sneezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. There is significant decrease in Forced vital capacity - FVC (P<0.00086), forced expiratory volume in 1st second- FEV1 (P<0.001787), forced expiratory flow - FEF25-75% (P=0.119072).But there is no significant change in FEV1% in cotton mattress workers and others maintaining equal ratio. The results were also analyzed statistically

Conclusion: All the subjects with more than 5 years exposure are symptomatic with cough and sneezing as predominant symptoms. FVC, FEV1 decrement and its negative correlation with duration and exposure is statistically significant. The changes are observed in FEF25-75%, PEF parameters. Cotton mattress workers occupation has a definite bearing in the severity of restrictive ventilatory defect which is statistically significant.