title: Respiratory symptoms were associated with lower spirometry results during the first examination of WTC responders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine if World Trade Center (WTC) disaster responders had lower lung function and higher bronchodilator responsiveness than those with respiratory symptoms and conditions.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated cardinal respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing, dry cough, productive cough) and determined the difference in FEV1, FVC, and bronchodilator responsiveness.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All respiratory symptoms were associated with a lower FEV1 and FVC, and a larger bronchodilator response. Responders reporting chronic productive cough, starting during WTC work and persisting, had a mean FEV1 109 mL lower than those without chronic persistent cough; their odds of having abnormally low FEV1 was 1.40 times higher; and they were 1.65 times as likely to demonstrate bronchodilator responsiveness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Responders reporting chronic persistent cough, wheezing or dyspnea at first medical examination were more likely to have lower lung function and bronchodilator responsiveness.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey,- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA. udasin@eohsi.rutgers.edu
authors.forename: Iris
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Udasin
authors.forename: Clyde
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schechter
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crowley
authors.forename: Anays
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sotolongo
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gochfeld
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Luft
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moline
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Enright
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology*; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D018635:Rescue Work; D012135:Respiratory Sounds / Q000209:etiology*; D047851:September 11 Terrorist Attacks; D013147:Spirometry / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D001993:Bronchodilator Agents