Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0037090 (Respiratory symptoms)
 467 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Respiratory symptoms and function were examined in a random sample of 181 farmers (124 pig farmers and 57 dairy farmers) with a mean age of 43 years. Wheezing and shortness of breath during work in the animal house were significantly associated with pig farming (odds ratio 11.4), current smoking (odds ratio 2.2), bronchial hyperreactivity (odds ratio 3.8), and low FEV1 (odds ratio 3.4). Pig farmers had a slightly lower FEV1 than dairy farmers (101% versus 104% predicted, NS). Symptomatic farmers had significantly lower FEV1 than symptomless farmers (93% versus 106% predicted). A multiple linear regression analysis of the cross sectional values of FEV1 showed that there was a decline in FEV1 associated with pig farming (-12 ml/year of pig farming) and smoking (-23 ml/pack year) in addition to the age related decline of 32 ml/year. A multiple linear regression analysis of PC20 histamine showed that bronchial reactivity increased with age, number of pack years, and number of years in pig farming. Work in closed pig rearing units is a pulmonary health hazard and causes decline in lung function.
 ...
PMID:Relation between respiratory symptoms, type of farming, and lung function disorders in farmers. 228 23

The role of childhood respiratory infections before 12 yrs of age (CRI) and during adolescence-adulthood (ARI) was studied in a general population sample (n = 3,289), living in an unpolluted area of Northern Italy. The presence of respiratory symptoms and diseases, as well as risk factors for obstructive airways disease (OAD), was assessed by a standardized questionnaire. Forced vital capacity and derived expiratory flows, and single-breath diffusing capacity were measured using computerized instrumentation. There were 1,185 (36.2%) subjects who reported pertussis (PT), 374 (11.4%) recurrent chest colds, pneumonia and croup, singly or in combination, with or without pertussis (CRI), and 1,718 (52.4%) reported no respiratory infections in childhood (NOCRI). Prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and diseases were significantly higher in subjects of the CRI group in all ages, and in older smokers. Wheeze and attacks of shortness of breath with wheeze were significantly higher in younger nonsmoking subjects with a history of CRI. Respiratory symptoms and diseases were not more prevalent in subjects of the PT group. Prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and diseases were significantly higher in subjects with a history of ARI, both in smokers and nonsmokers. Lung function parameters adjusted for sex, age and smoking were significantly lower in CRI subjects; PT subjects showed lower values than NOCRI subjects. A significantly higher prevalence rate of ARI was present in subjects who reported CRI, both in smokers and nonsmokers. Subjects with both CRI and ARI showed the highest prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. In addition, they had the lowest lung function values regardless of smoking habit.
 ...
PMID:Effects of childhood and adolescence-adulthood respiratory infections in a general population. 278 99

In an investigation of the relationship between atmospheric dust levels and worker health, the respiratory dust exposures of employees at two Saskatchewan potash mines were examined following atmospheric measurements. Some, notably those of the mining crew and the screening operators, were above the Threshold Limit Value 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) for total nuisance particulates specified by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Respiratory symptoms were recorded and forced expiratory lung function tests were done among 850 volunteers drawn from an eligible work force of 931. The results were compared between low and higher exposure groups after allowing for personal factors such as age and smoking habits. Symptoms of Grade I chronic phlegm production and mild shortness of breath and chronic cough were more common in the higher exposure groups, but episodes of chest illness were not. Severe respiratory symptoms were rare. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportions performing lung function tests below predicted values.
 ...
PMID:Concentrations and health effects of potash dust. 729 29

Six patients with breast cancer developed pulmonary toxicity following mitomycin therapy. The presenting symptoms were shortness of breath and a dry cough. The radiological pictures varied from a normal chest x-ray to extensive bilateral pneumonitis. The histological findings consisted of diffuse alveolar damage progressing to interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in complete resolution of pneumonia in one patient. Respiratory symptoms improved in 3 patients following discontinuation of the drug. Two patients with extensive bilateral pneumonitis, who were not treated with steroids, died of respiratory failure. Mitomycin-induced lung toxicity appears to be reversible with the discontinuation of drug and the administration of corticosteroids. Lung biopsy is necessary in order to rule out other diagnoses.
 ...
PMID:Pulmonary toxicity of mitomycin. 735 Oct 10

A cross sectional study was carried out to determine whether schoolchildren in a specific locality exposed to pollution from steam coal dust have an excess of respiratory symptoms compared with children in control areas. A total of 1872 primary schoolchildren (aged 5-11 years) from five primary schools in the Bootle dock area of Liverpool (exposed area), five primary schools in South Sefton (control area), and five primary schools in Wallasey (control area) were studied. A questionnaire was distributed through the schools and was completed by the parents of the children. The questionnaire inquired about respiratory symptoms (cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath), allergy, atopy, smoking, and socioeconomic factors. Height, weight, and peak expiratory flow were measured. Compliance was good (92%) and similar in the three study areas. The children in the three areas were of similar mean age (7.5 years), height (1.24 m), sex ratio, and had a similar prevalence of paternal (6.2%) and maternal (7%) asthma. The exposed zone contained more unemployed parents (41, 29, and 29% respectively), more rented housing (64, 45, 34%), and more smoking parents (71, 60, 59%) than the control areas. Respiratory symptoms were significantly more common in the exposed area, including wheeze (25.0, 20.6, and 17.5%), excess cough (40.0, 23.4, and 25.1%), and school absences for respiratory symptoms (47.5, 35.9, and 34.9%). These differences remained significant even if the groups were subdivided according to whether or not parents smoked or were employed. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed the exposed zone as a significant risk factor for absenteeism from school due to respiratory symptoms (odds ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.17 to 2.06) after adjusting for confounding factors. Standard dust deposit gauges on three schools confirmed a significantly higher dust burden in the exposed zone. An increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms in primary schoolchildren exposed to coal dust is confirmed. Although the association with known coal dust pollution is suggestive a cross sectional study cannot confirm a casual relation and further studies are needed.
 ...
PMID:Respiratory morbidity in Merseyside schoolchildren exposed to coal dust and air pollution. 818 64

In this study we evaluated data from a sample of 973 never-smoking women, ages 20-40, who worked in three similar textile mills in Anhui Province, China. We compared prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms across homes with and without coal heating and homes with different numbers of smokers. Multiple logistic regression models that controlled for age, job title, and mill of employment were also estimated. Respiratory symptoms were associated with combined exposure to passive cigarette smoke and coal heating. Effects of passive cigarette smoke and coal heating on respiratory symptoms appeared to be nearly additive, suggesting a dose-response relationship between respiratory symptoms and home indoor air pollution from these two sources. The prevalence of chest illness, cough, phlegm, and shortness of breath (but not wheeze) was significantly elevated for women living in homes with both smokers and coal heating.
 ...
PMID:Passive cigarette smoke, coal heating, and respiratory symptoms of nonsmoking women in China. 827 88

Information on long-term respiratory symptoms in prematurely born children is scanty. We studied an unselected population of 9- to 11-year-old schoolchildren. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the parents. Children underwent lung function testing, cold air challenge, and skin prick tests. A gestational age < 37 weeks in children with a birth weight < or = 2500 gm was reported by 5% of the parents. Premature girls had significantly more current asthma (odds ratio (OR) 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4, 4.7; p < 0.05), recurrent wheezing (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1, 2.7; p < 0.001), recurrent shortness of breath (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5, 3.9; p < 0.001), and frequent cough with exercise (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 2.9; p < 0.05) than term girls, especially if they required mechanical ventilation after birth. No such differences could be shown in boys. More prematurely born children who required mechanical ventilation (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.2, 6.4; p < 0.0001) had a family history of asthma than children born at term. Significant decrements could be demonstrated for different measurements of lung function in premature girls. These results remained significant after control for confounders in a multivariate regression analysis. No difference was found between groups for bronchial hyperresponsiveness to cold, dry air or for atopic sensitization. We conclude that a family history of asthma may predispose premature children to more severe respiratory disease. Respiratory symptoms and decrements in lung function seen in girls may reflect abnormalities of lung function in survivors of severe neonatal respiratory disease.
 ...
PMID:Prematurity as a risk factor for asthma in preadolescent children. 834 17

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Early Intervention Trial, or Lung Health Study, is a multicenter randomized clinical trial sponsored by the Division of Lung Diseases of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The hypothesis being tested is that over a 5-year period, a comprehensive intervention program can reduce both the rate of decline in pulmonary function and the rates of respiratory morbidity and mortality in middle-aged smokers with mild to moderate airflow obstruction. The primary outcome variable of the trial is the annual rate of decline of maximum postbronchodilator FEV1. Secondary outcomes are the development of respiratory and nonrespiratory morbidity and mortality. After screening 73,694 cigarette smokers, aged 35 to 60 years, 5,887 participants were randomized into three equal groups: usual care, smoking intervention with daily use of a metered-dose inhaler with ipratropium bromide, and smoking intervention with inhalation of placebo. Eligible participants had a ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) of 70 percent or less, were free of known life-limiting conditions, expressed willingness to enter the intervention program if so randomized, and gave written informed consent prior to entry into the trial. Spirometry, methacholine challenge, and questionnaires were strictly standardized within and across centers. The purpose of this report is to describe the characteristics of randomized participants at the time of entry into the study. For both sexes, three measures of lung function--average cross-sectional FEV1/FVC ratio, FEV1, and FEV1 percentage of predicted normal--showed slight downward trends for each successively older 5-year age cohort. The increase in FEV1 after isoproterenol was 15 percent or more in only 2.4 percent of men and 2.8 percent of women. A positive response to methacholine (defined as a fall in FEV1 of > 20 percent from baseline at concentrations up to 25 mg/ml) occurred in 63 percent of men and 87 percent of women. The cross-sectional prevalences of cough, phlegm, wheeze on most days or nights, and shortness of breath were 49 percent, 43 percent, 32 percent, and 43 percent, respectively. Respiratory symptoms were reported by a higher proportion of participants in the younger age groups than in the older age groups. Participants who reported cough, phlegm, and/or wheeze averaged lower FEV1 percent predicted and higher probability of positive response to methacholine than participants who did not. Shortness of breath appeared to be significantly associated with lower lung function and higher reactivity in men but not in women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
 ...
PMID:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Early Intervention Trial (Lung Health Study). Baseline characteristics of randomized participants. 840 77

Respiratory symptoms are the most common cause of general practitioner (GP) consultation, and hospital-based specialists are often called on to provide management guidelines, particularly in the area of antibiotic prescribing. The present authors have assessed factors associated with antibiotic use by 115 GPs when managing 1089 adults with an acute lower respiratory tract illness, including cough. They prescribed antibiotics to three-quarters of patients, but felt antibiotics to be definitely indicated in less than one-third of these cases and not needed in one-fifth. Univariate analysis revealed that antibiotics were prescribed more frequently by older GPs for older patients in the presence of underlying disease, discoloured sputum, shortness of breath, wheeze, fever, signs on chest examination, and 'other factors'. Multivariate logistic regression confirmed an independent effect for all these findings except for the presence of underlying disease, shortness of breath and wheeze. 'Other factors' included patient 'pressure' and social factors, and GP work pressure or prior experience with the patient. These factors were an important influence on prescribing, especially if the GP felt an antibiotic was not indicated. Amoxycillin was the first choice (58% of total) except where the patient had recently received antibiotics for the same illness. Broader spectrum antibiotics were used more commonly in patients with chronic lung disease, discoloured sputum, chest signs on examination and where the GP felt antibiotics were indicated. However, these antibiotics were also prescribed to 14% of previously well patients. General practitioners used a wide variety of terms to describe the illness with little consistency or structure. The decision concerning the use and choice of antibiotics and the confidence with which the GP makes that decision is a complex interaction between patient, doctor and disease, being affected not only by clinical features but also by the social and psychological elements of the presenting problem. Such issues need to be appreciated by hospital specialists when called on to advise on developing relevant guidelines for primary care.
 ...
PMID:Contemporary use of antibiotics in 1089 adults presenting with acute lower respiratory tract illness in general practice in the U.K.: implications for developing management guidelines. 932 45

Respiratory symptoms, lung function, and radiographic changes among 100 actively employed electricians in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with 20 or more years of union membership were compared with those of 100 telephone workers. Posteroanterior chest radiographs were evaluated by two experienced chest physicians, with a third arbitrating films that were disagreed upon. Employment in a number of industrial sectors was compared for time and for time-weighted exposure to dust and fumes. Compared with telephone workers, electricians had more usual cough (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-8.31), usual phlegm (OR = 2.44; 95% CI, 1.01-5.86), chronic phlegm (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.13-6.60), and shortness of breath (OR = 2.26; 95% CI, 1.10-4.67), but no differences in lung function. The prevalence of radiographic changes in both groups was low. The electricians had more radiographic changes, but only for the category "any change" was the difference statistically significant (OR = 5.2; 95% CI, 1.06-23.93). Only two electricians had small irregular opacities. Phlegm, chronic phlegm, and chest tightness were significantly associated with cumulative exposure to fumes in the gas and oil industry and to total industrial construction.
 ...
PMID:Lung health among electricians in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 983 Jun 9


1 2 Next >>