A study of lung function test in sugarcane factory workers of Dharmapuri district, Tamilnadu

Dr. Bharat S; Dr. N. Nalini Jayanthi; Dr. P. Anandeswari

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2019

A study of lung function test in sugarcane factory workers of Dharmapuri district, Tamilnadu

Dr. Bharat S, Dr. N. Nalini Jayanthi, Dr. P. Anandeswari

Abstract :

Introduction: Chronic exposure to occupation related dust causes respiratory diseases which have an impact on lung function. The study was done to identify the prevalence of restrictive, obstructive and mixed type of pulmonary impairment and association with years of occupational exposure. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was done on 88 workers of sugarcane industry in Dharmapuri district. Participants details were collected in proforma. Chest xrays were taken and pulmonary function test was performed with a portable spirometer. About 10 participants could not be followed up for PFT. So a total of 78 participants were studied by spirometry. Results: In our study the workers had an exposure ranging from 8 to 36 years with a mean (SD) of 24.34 (3.30) years. Out of 78 subjects, 45 (57.69%) had abnormal pulmonary function test, of which 34(43.59%) had restrictive pattern.The pulmonary impairment was more with increase in years of exposure Conclusion: The pattern of lung diseases in our study is towards restrictive pattern. Factory authorities must take needful measures to halt the disease progression in terms of health and also prevent loss to the workers in terms of economic status.. Appropriate knowledge should be provided to the workers regarding the work atmosphere.