RationaleThe study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of work related asthmatic symptoms and respiratory problems in workers exposed to dusty cotton textile mills.MethodsA random survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms among 800 textile mill workers.Two spinning textile mills were selected and worker aged between 30 - 50 yrs and worked for minimum 3 years. Data were collected by a1.Standard Questionnaire on respiration.2.Pulmonary function test on work, pre and post shift force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in l sec (FEV), were determined for each worker.3.Air sample were also collected from different sections of textile mill and analyse cotton dust concentration.All analysis were adjusted for age, sex and smoking.Results38% of workers complained of cough, 30% of respiratory symptoms of dyspnea & wheezing. Significant decrease in FEV1 & FVC were seen in those workers with history of respiratory symptoms.25% had FEV1 of < 80%.14% had FEV1/FVC of < 80%.39% had PEFR <80%.All these findings suggestive of obstructive air way disease.ConclusionsThese findings provide guide line for further research and action by public health professionals. Further new strategies need to develop for effective control & prevention of asthma in work place & decrease morbidity & mortality of life & improves quality of life in Textile workers of underdevoloped country like Pakistan.key words: Pulmonary function test, wheezing, FEV. RationaleThe study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of work related asthmatic symptoms and respiratory problems in workers exposed to dusty cotton textile mills. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of work related asthmatic symptoms and respiratory problems in workers exposed to dusty cotton textile mills. MethodsA random survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms among 800 textile mill workers.Two spinning textile mills were selected and worker aged between 30 - 50 yrs and worked for minimum 3 years. Data were collected by a1.Standard Questionnaire on respiration.2.Pulmonary function test on work, pre and post shift force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in l sec (FEV), were determined for each worker.3.Air sample were also collected from different sections of textile mill and analyse cotton dust concentration.All analysis were adjusted for age, sex and smoking. A random survey was undertaken to determine the prevalence of asthmatic symptoms among 800 textile mill workers. Two spinning textile mills were selected and worker aged between 30 - 50 yrs and worked for minimum 3 years. Data were collected by a1.Standard Questionnaire on respiration.2.Pulmonary function test on work, pre and post shift force vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in l sec (FEV), were determined for each worker.3.Air sample were also collected from different sections of textile mill and analyse cotton dust concentration. All analysis were adjusted for age, sex and smoking. Results38% of workers complained of cough, 30% of respiratory symptoms of dyspnea & wheezing. Significant decrease in FEV1 & FVC were seen in those workers with history of respiratory symptoms.25% had FEV1 of < 80%.14% had FEV1/FVC of < 80%.39% had PEFR <80%.All these findings suggestive of obstructive air way disease. 38% of workers complained of cough, 30% of respiratory symptoms of dyspnea & wheezing. Significant decrease in FEV1 & FVC were seen in those workers with history of respiratory symptoms.25% had FEV1 of < 80%.14% had FEV1/FVC of < 80%.39% had PEFR <80%. All these findings suggestive of obstructive air way disease. ConclusionsThese findings provide guide line for further research and action by public health professionals. Further new strategies need to develop for effective control & prevention of asthma in work place & decrease morbidity & mortality of life & improves quality of life in Textile workers of underdevoloped country like Pakistan.key words: Pulmonary function test, wheezing, FEV. These findings provide guide line for further research and action by public health professionals. Further new strategies need to develop for effective control & prevention of asthma in work place & decrease morbidity & mortality of life & improves quality of life in Textile workers of underdevoloped country like Pakistan.