Ventilatory Lung Function Research Articles

Effects of cooking fuels on lung function in nonsmoking women.

A case-control study of 20- to 39-yr-old female participants in the Tecumseh Community Health Study compared use of cooking fuels and other factors in women from the highest and lowest quartiles of the lung function distribution. The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1.0) was used as the index of ventilatory lung function. The use of a kitchen exhaust fan was significantly associated with low lung function. A larger proportion of women with low FEV1.0 used gas for cooking, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Lung volumes and pulmonary gas exchange after coarctectomy.

Ventilatory lung function and pulmonary gas exchange were assessed during rest and exercise up to the maximal level in nineteen males aged 16-28 years, eleven years after surgery for coarctation of the aorta. Compared to the normal Swedish standards, the lung volumes indicated a restrictive impairment of lung function. However, the age range in this series of patients is outside the age range of reference values for both children and adults. When the effect of age on the lung volumes was allowed for they were found to be less restrictive. Pulmonary gas exchange was normal at rest and during maximal exercise. Thus, the aortic malformation and the thoracotomy did not lead to any marked impairment of lung function.

Effects of electric arc welding on ventilatory lung function.

Respiratory symptoms, spirometry, forced expiratory flows, and the nitrogen closing volume test were studied in 119 welders and 90 controls, matched with respect to age, height, and smoking habits. Respiratory symptoms according to a questionnaire were more prevalent in the welders. No short-term changes of the measured variables during the day or week attributable to welding were found in twenty-one nonsmoking welders. Compared to the controls, closing volume and closing capacity (i. e., closing volume + residual volume) were significantly higher, and total lung capacity and the amplitude of the cardiogenic oscillations in the nitrogen curve were significantly lower in the welders who were nonsmokers or exsmokers, whereas there were no differences among smokers. These findings in welders may be attributable to deposition of welding fume particles in peripheral small airways or alveoli.

Smoking, socioeconomic status, and chronic respiratory disease.

Prevalence rates of chronic bronchitis and asthma and mean levels of ventilatory lung function were related to age, smoking habits, occupation, education, and income in 4,699 men and women living in Tecumseh, Michigan. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher and mean levels of 1-sec forced expiratory volume were lower in cigarette smokers than in other men and women, and heavy smokers were affected more than light smokers. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher and mean 1-sec forced expiratory volume was lower in blue collar workers than in white collar workers. Men and women with some college education had higher mean values for 1-sec forced expiratory volume than did those with less formal education, and the prevalence of chronic bronchitis was least among men with most education. Mean levels of 1-sec forced expiratory volume were slightly lower in those with the smallest incomes. There were no significant associations between the prevalence of asthma and smoking habits, occupation, education, or income. Most of the differences in the prevalence of chronic bronchitis and mean 1-sec forced expiratory volume in men and women of different occupational, educational, or income classes were due to differences in smoking habits. In comparison with smoking, poor occupational, educational, or economic circumstances had only a weak deleterious effect.

Lung function and immunological changes in poultry breeders.

The results of the study of 61 persons occupationally exposed to the inhalation of dust from waste materials in chicken breeding are presented. The subjects were divided into three groups: 1. females in permanent exposure, 2. males in permanent exposure, 3. males in intermittent exposure. The following examinations were performed: case histories with special reference to symptoms of allergic alveolitis and/or chronic nonspecific lung disease, testing of skin hypersensitivity to allergens prepared from material collected in working places, blood analysis for the precipitins against chicken dropping and cock serum, testing of ventilatory lung function including measurements of residual volume, and testing of lung diffusion capacity. A very high prevalence of positive early and late skin reaction was found with no large differences between different groups of subjects. The highest percentage of precipitins was found in permanently exposed women. FVC, FEV1 and MEF 25% values were significantly lower than predicted normal values. A statistically significant increase of the residual volume was recorded in all subjects in permanent exposure. Lung diffusion capacity in all the subjects was normal. The prevalence of acute respiratory symptoms indicative of allergic alveolitis was significantly higher in subjects in permanent than in those in intermittent exposure.

Lung function among black and white children.

Racial differences in ventilatory lung function were evaluated in a community study of 393 children (158 blacks, 235 whites). Mean forced vital capacity was 18 per cent larger in nonsmoking white males than in nonsmoking black males, and 11 per cent larger in nonsmoking white females than in nonsmoking black females. Similar differences were observed for the 1-sec forced expiratory volume and for the maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the vital capacity. However, when adjusted for lung size (on the basis of forced vital capacity), 1-sec forced expiratory volume and maximal expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity were larger in the black children compared to the white children. Lung function prediction equations based on race, sex, age, height and weight are presented for healthy nonsmoking children; these allow for an evaluation of normal lung function in both black and white children.

Follow-up of ventilatory lung function in a group of cement workers.

In a group of 160 active cement workers and 80 control workers selected on the basis of having or not having symptoms of chronic bronchitis, forced vital capacity (FVC) and one second expiratory volume (FEV 1-0), both corrected for age and height, and ratio of one second forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity (FEV 1-0/FVC (%)) were measured on two occasions with an interval of four and eight years respectively.

Seven measures of ventilatory lung function. Population values and a comparison of their ability to discriminate between persons with and without chronic respiratory symptoms and disease, Tecumseh, Michigan.

Seven measures of ventilatory lung function. Population values and a comparison of their ability to discriminate between persons with and without chronic respiratory symptoms and disease, Tecumseh, Michigan.

Indices of ventilatory lung function (FVC, FEV1, FEV %) which adjust for age and height.

Theresults ofventilatory function tests (FVC, FEV1,andFEV%)depend toagreat extent onage andheight. Inepidemiological investigations, the mainpurpose ofwhich istoanalyse theinfluence of environmental factors on lungfunction inthe population, itistherefore necessary tousemultiple regression methods. Thisformofstatistical analysis isdifficult andlaborious whenthere isnoaccess toa computer. Analternative method istouseindices of ventilatory function thatadjust forageandheight. Khosla (1971) hasrecently developed aseries of suchindices. Theseindices showahigh correlation withventilatory tests andareindependent ofage andheight. Themainpurpose ofourworkwastotestthe value ofthese newindices onmaterial fromourown epidemiological studies of chronic non-specific chest disease carried outintwosmallindustrial enterprises inKrakow, taking intoaccountthe possible anthropological differences betweenthe British andPolish populations.

The epidemiology of chronic respiratory disease

Chronic respiratory disease (CRD) is usually understood to include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and a number of other chronic bronchopulmonary diseases. This paper will concentrate on the first two. The epidemiology of asthma differs in many ways from that of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, for example, in its age and sex incidence, relationships to social class, allergy, and time trends. But many of the clinical features are common to all three diseases with the result that diagnosis may be difficult. Furthermore the extent to which asthma contributes to emphysema is as yet uncertain. While it would be desirable to consider the epidemiology of the components of CRD separately this is unfortunately not yet possible. A number of conferences and organizations (2,17,104) have suggested definitions and classifications of these diseases. The following definitions, essentially those of the American Thoracic Society, would probably be generally accepted. Chronic bronchitis is a clinical condition characterized by excessive mucous secretion in the bronchi. It is manifested by chronic or recurrent productive cough not attributable to other lung or heart disease. Emphysema refers to an anatomical alteration of the lung characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the air spaces distal to the terminal, nonrespiratory bronchiole, usually accompanied by destructive changes in the alveolar walls. Asthma is a condition characterized by increased responsiveness of the trachea and bronchi to various stimuli. It is manifested by widespread narrowing of the airways which changes in severity either spontaneously or as a result of treatment. During the past 20 years epidemiologists have developed standardized methods for studying CRD (3,35,36,65). Precisely worded questions about respiratory symptoms and chest illnesses have been formulated, simple tests of ventilatory lung function, notably the forced expiratory volume (FEV) and forced vital capacity (FVC), have been widely applied, various objective methods, such as measurement of the volume and quality of the morning sputum during the first hour or half hour after rising, have been recommended (93). Bronchial reactivity has occasionally been measured. More sophisticated testing of lung function and chest radiography have been included in some surveys. The result is a considerable body of knowledge on chronic bronchitis but rather less on emphysema and asthma.

Ventilatory lung function in cement workers.

In four samples of cement workers and adequate controls and in a group of their wives, forced vital capacity (FVC) and one-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1) were measured. In all four samples FEV1/FVC ratio was significantly lower in cement workers (P < .05). A significant difference in this ratio was also found when cement workers who were nonsmokers were compared with control nonsmokers (P < .01). The FVC was within normal limits in all four samples. An inverse relationship between duration of work experience in cement plants and values of both FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio was found. There was no significant difference in the values of these two tests between two groups of examined wives. The results suggest that the exposure to occupational factors in cement plants may lead to a predominantly obstructive ventilatory impairment

Factors affecting normal values for ventilatory lung function.

As part of an epidemiologic survey in New Guinea, forced vital capacity, one-second forced expiratory volume, subdivisions of lung volume, and peak expiratory flow were measured in a population living in the highlands and in a population living on the coast. The highland population had larger values than the coastal population for all measurements, but the difference was greater in females and children than in males. The ventilatory function of the New Guinea coastal population was similar to that of other non-European populations whereas that of the highland population was similar to that of populations of European descent. Ethnic variations in ventilatory lung function appear to be due to differences in the size of the lungs at full inspiration. Apart from ethnic variations, physical activity, environmental conditions, altitude of dwelling, and tobacco smoking can affect normal values for ventilatory lung function. If accurate prediction formulas for measurements of ventilatory lung function are needed, they should be derived for individual populations.

Evaluation of muscle relaxants in tetanus.

A new but simple and objective method of assessment of the muscle relaxant effect of drugs in tetanus, with the use of ventilatory lung function tests, has been described. The vital capacity and the tidal volume values were significantly lower in patients with tetanus compared to normal control values. The vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume were measured in 15 patients with tetanus before and after parenteral administration of chlorpromazine, phenobarbital, and meprobamate. There were significant increases in ventilatory function after each drug. This effect can be attributed to the muscle relaxant properties of these drugs in tetanus.

Smoking habits, chronic bronchitis and shortness of breath and physical fitness

Relationship between cardiovascular fitness (heart rate response to a submaximal step-test) and smoking habits, chronic lung disease, and ventilatory lung function was studied in 3,400 males and females (ages 16 to 69). It was observed that male smokers had significantly higher heart rates 1 min. after exercise than non-smokers, (P = 0.05). Female smokers had significantly higher heart rates at rest and following exercise. Male chronic bronchitics had significantly higher heart rates during exercise and recovery. Differences were not significant for female subjects. In the comparison of the heart rates in exercise or rest for those subjects with shortness of breath a significant difference was found in the recovery heart rates of males and at rest for females. In the comparison of the heart rate responses to exercise of subjects with high or low F.E.V.1.0 values, the differences across all ages were not significant. Age specific analyses indicated significant differences at particular age ranges.

The relationship of parental longevity to ventilatory function and prevalence of chronic nonspecific respiratory disease among sons.

In the course of an epidemiologic study of the entire community of Tecumseh, Michigan, parental longevity was related to selected characteristics of men aged 30 years and more with one or both parents deceased. Death before or after age 65 was used as a crude index of longevity. Early death of either parent was related to low values of one-second forced expiratory volume among the sons, and premature maternal death was also associated with increased prevalence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema among the sons. Greater longevity of either parent was related to high values of ventilatory lung function among the sons. Differences in smoking habits accounted for some but not all of the relationships described. The evidence strongly suggests that constitutional factors are involved. The forced expiratory volume is known to be an index of chronic respiratory disease, but the results suggest that it is also a biologic characteristic independently related to parental longevity.

Chronic Respiratory Disease in Mining Communities in Marion County, West Virginia

A study of respiratory disease has been carried out in five mining communities in Marion County, West Virginia, United States of America. Each of the five communities was defined by a private census. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, chest and other illnesses, smoking habits, and occupation was completed on all adults aged 20 years and over. All men aged 20-69 who lived in three of the towns were asked to attend at a centre for examination and 83% responded. The examination included the completion of a further questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, occupation, and smoking habits; examination of the chest; simple tests of ventilatory lung function; and a 14 × 17 in. postero-anterior radiograph of the chest. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis in these communities was low. In one of the three towns a pottery had operated intermittently in the past, giving rise to the possibility of pottery as well as mine dust exposure. Approximately 10-15% of miners and ex-miners aged 50-69 who had never worked in the pottery had category 1 or over pneumoconiosis. Only four cases of progressive massive fibrosis were found in this group, all in men aged 60 years and over. Pneumoconiosis was diagnosed only in men who had worked for 20 years or more underground. Among a group of potters who had never worked in mining the prevalence of pneumoconiosis was higher than in the miners and ex-miners, 27% in the 50-59 age group and 18% in the 60-69 age group being affected. The prevalence of symptoms was not appreciably higher in the miners and the ex-miners than in the non-miners except in the oldest decennial group where a somewhat higher prevalence of cough, breathlessness, and chest illness was noted. A significantly lower average forced expiratory volume in one second (F.E.V._1·0) was also found in this group. A higher prevalence of breathlessness, chest illness, and chronic bronchitis was found in non-miners who had worked in the pottery, and this increased prevalence was associated with a lower mean F.E.V._1·0. Smokers recorded a higher prevalence of symptoms, particularly cough and sputum, than non-smokers. Significantly lower mean F.E.V._1·0 values were found in smokers than in non-smokers aged 50 years and over. There was an association between the educational level attained and both the prevalence of symptoms and the F.E.V._1·0. Those with lower educational grades had a significantly higher prevalence of symptoms, especially cough and sputum. Those who had completed one year or more in college recorded higher F.E.V._s. These differences are the subject of further study. Differences in the prevalence of persistent cough, sputum or breathlessness between communities studied in the United States and the United Kingdom are small or absent. Bronchitic chest illnesses during the three years before interview, particularly those which recurred, appear however to be more common in Britain, and this may explain at least partly the greater disability and mortality from chronic respiratory disease in the United Kingdom than in the United States.