Exacerbations in COPD Patients with Bronchiectasis.

There is evidence that coexisting bronchiectasis (BE) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) aggravates the course of the disease. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency and severity of bacterial exacerbations in COPD patients with BE. The frequency and duration of bacterial exacerbations treated in a 12-month period, as well as the duration of the exacerbation-free interval, were evaluated in 54 patients with COPD (Group D) who were diagnosed and assessed according to official recommendations.

Respiratory hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs in Europe: the global allergy and asthma network (GA LEN) survey.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most prevalent drugs inducing hypersensitivity reactions. The aim of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence of NSAID-induced respiratory symptoms in population across Europe and to assess its association with upper and lower respiratory tract disorders.

Methods: The GA LEN survey was conducted in 22 centers in 15 European countries.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in never-smoking dairy farmers.

Introduction: Work-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a considerable part of the disease burden globally.

Objective: To assess the COPD prevalence and characteristics in never-smoking dairy farmers.

Materials And Methodology: We have conducted a cross-sectional study with 75 male dairy farmers aged 26 to 59 years, and compared them with equivalent number of male office workers similar by age, and duration of employment.

Assessment of the Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Severity: The FACED Score vs the Bronchiectasis Severity Index.

Introduction: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is a multidimensional disease, and no single isolated parameter is proved to have sufficient power for any overall determination of its severity and prognosis.

Objective: To compare the results of the assessment of the NCFB severity with respect to its prognosis in the same patients by two different validated scores, i.e.

Course of COPD Assessment Test (CAT) Scores During Bacterial Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Treated in Outpatient Setting.

Introduction: COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an 8-items questionnaire for assessment of health status in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Objective: To evaluate the course of CAT scores during bacterial exacerbations of COPD treated in outpatient setting.

Methods: We performed an observational, prospective study including 81 outpatients (57 males and 24 females, aged 43 to 74 years) with bacterial exacerbation of COPD.

Exercise-related respiratory symptoms and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in industrial bakers.

In order to assess prevalence and characteristics of exercise-related respiratory symptoms (ERRS) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in industrial bakery, the authors performed a cross-sectional study including 57 bakers and an equal number of office workers studied as a control. Evaluation of examined subjects included completion of a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common inhalant and occupational allergens, spirometry, and exercise and histamine challenge. The authors found a similar prevalence of ERRS and EIB in both bakers and controls.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced respiratory symptoms in nurses.

In order to assess prevalence and characteristics of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms (EIRSs) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in health care workers, we performed a cross-sectional study including 48 female nurses from primary care settings and an equal number of female office workers studied as a control group. The evaluation of examined groups included completion of a questionnaire, skin prick tests to common inhalant allergens, spirometry, and exercise and histamine challenge. We found a similar prevalence of EIRSs and EIB in both groups.

National survey on identifying vulnerable workers and availability of occupational health services in the Republic of Macedonia.

Objective: In order to identify vulnerable groups and high risk sectors which are at greater need of basic occupational health services, we performed a questionnaire-based study including, as key informants, different stakeholders and key players in the process of improving health and safety at work.

Methods: The Institute of Occupational Health of Macedonia developed an specially designed questionnaire in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for Europe. Vulnerable groups/sectors include: unemployed, female workers, workers aged under 18 years, workers aged over 55 years and workers in the informal sector, construction industry, textile industry, agriculture, and the health care workers.

Effects of passive smoking at work on respiratory symptoms, lung function, and bronchial responsiveness in never-smoking office cleaning women.

This cross-sectional study compares respiratory symptoms, lung function, and bronchial responsiveness between 27 office cleaning women exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at work and 57 unexposed controls. The age range of both groups was 24 to 56 years, and none of the women had ever smoked. Information on respiratory symptoms, cleaning work history, and passive smoking in the workplace were obtained with a questionnaire.