Respiratory symptoms and farming practices in farmers associated with an acute febrile illness after organic dust exposure.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a preliminary study of occupational respiratory complaints in farmers who have experienced organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) symptoms.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
An agricultural trade show.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Two hundred ninety-seven people (204 men, 93 women) completed a questionnaire about agricultural practices, respiratory health (including history of febrile episodes while handling grain), and use of respirators. Spirometry was also performed. ODTS symptoms were described by 107 of the people (36%). A strong significant association was found between ODTS and cough or chest tightness after handling grain (odds ratio [OR], 7.5; 95% confidence ratio [CI], 4.2 to 13.5). People who experienced cough or chest tightness after handling grain were more likely to report handling grain sorghum than people who had not experienced cough or chest tightening after handling grain (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.5). The strong association seen between ODTS and frequent use of a respirator while working in grain bins (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 9.4) may indicate that farmers began using respirators after respiratory symptoms developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Having a history consistent with ODTS exposure was very common in the farmers surveyed. Farmers who had a history consistent with ODTS were more likely to report cough or chest tightness with handling grain. Exposure to grain sorghum was more likely to be associated with respiratory symptoms than was exposure to other types of grain. There is a need for additional studies to further examine the relationship between ODTS and respiratory symptoms with grain dust exposure in farmers.
Von Essen
S
S
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5300, USA. svonesse@unmc.edu
Fryzek
J
J
Nowakowski
B
B
Wampler
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000383:Agriculture; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D002523:Edible Grain / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009329:Nebraska / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome
D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust