Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function among cotton textile workers at Misr Company for Spinning and Weaving EL-Mahalla, Egypt

Background This study aimed to assess the effect of cotton dust on respiratory symptoms and spirometric functions test among cotton textile workers. Patients and Methods This prospective study was conducted at El-Mahalla Chest Hospital on 115 subjects (100 workers exposed to cotton dust from Misr Company for Spinning and Weaving and 15 healthy subject not exposed to cotton dust). All subjects, were subjected to a standardized questionnaire which was patterned according to American Thoracic Society questionnaire and spirometric functions test [Forced expiratory in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)% and maximum midexpiratory flow (MMEF) %]. Results There was a highly significant statistical difference on comparing presence of respiratory symptoms between control group and cotton exposed groups. There was significant statistical difference on comparing the presence of respiratory symptoms between control group and weaving, spinning, opening of cotton bales and carding groups. Respiratory symptom was the highest prevalent in spinning and weaving workers. Cough, expectoration and chest tightness were the highest prevalent symptoms in cotton exposed groups. Cough, expectoration were the highest prevalent in spinning and weaving workers. There was significant statistical difference on comparing FEVI%, FVC%, FVC/FEV1% and PEFR % between control group and cotton exposed groups. There was no significant statistical difference on comparing MMEF% between control group and cotton exposed groups. There was positive correlation between presence of respiratory symptoms and duration of exposure to cotton dust, the longer the duration of exposure to cotton dust the higher the presence of respiratory symptoms. There was no correlation between period of exposure to cotton dust and spirometric functions. Conclusion Cotton workers are at risk for developing respiratory symptoms. Respiratory symptoms was highest prevalent in worker works at spinning and weaving. Spirometric functions were less in cotton exposed workers as compared to control.