[The characteristics of chronic bronchitis in workers in ferrous metallurgy enterprises].

Results of clinico-functional examination of workers of metallurgical plants confirmed early development and severe course of chronic bronchitis in this category of workers. The polyetiological aspect of chronic bronchitis is suggested. Changes of the pleura and pneumosclerosis which often accompany chronic bronchitis impede the differential diagnosis with interstitial form of pneumoconiosis. Diagnostic criteria of chronic bronchitis in metallurgists should be determined with consideration of concrete working conditions, endogenous factors of risk in the development of the disease and possible variants of the course.