Evaluation of Small Airway Effect in Cleaning Workers With Impulse Oscillometry.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect small airway pathologies in cleaning workers at an early stage by impulse oscillometry (IOS). The study was cross-sectional and involved 121 cleaning workers and 123 controls between September 2022 and January 2023. Airway disease-related measurements (R5%, R20%, R5-20%, AX, Fres) determined by IOS were statistically significantly higher in cleaning workers. The mean and median values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (%), peak expiratory flow (%), maximal mid-expiratory flow (%), forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity were significantly lower in cleaning workers compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). Using General Linear Models adjusted for work duration, sex, age, body mass index, and smoking, occupational differences in lung function and IOS were not significant, showing these factors explain the effects. IOS can be used for the early detection of airway diseases.