PULMONIC HEALTH IMPAIREMENTS AMONG POULTRYMEN IN SHORKOT

Abstract

In recent studies in Pakistan, Pulmonary diseases was increased among poultry workers due to the exposure to dust and different particles. Poultry dust causes restrictive and non-reversible obstructive diseases to the workers. Prevalence of mild to severe cases of COPD was also seen in workers. Smoking was also reported as a risk factor for COPD. Functional capacity was also decreased in workers with COPD. Less St. George Respiratory score in poultry workers indicated the poor health status. Oxygen saturation decreased in workers whereas pulse rate increases after six min walk test in poultry workers. Total 65 samples were taken from the open and controlled farms. St. George Respiratory questionnaire was used to find the health status of the workers. Six min walk test was used to determine the functional capacity of the workers. Oxygen saturation and pulse rate was measured after the walk. Demographic data was same in both groups. But current smokers were present in both the groups that was considered as the major risk for COPD. Cases of chronic obstructive disease were observed in both the groups. Distance covered by open farm workers in six min walk test was less that indicated decreased functional capacity. Peripheral oxygen saturation values were decreased after doing physical activity at different stages of COPD patients. Overall, it was concluded, that decreased physical activity, peripheral oxygen saturation , St. George Respiratory score and increased in pulse rate can be used to observed pulmonic impairments.