Pattern of Respiratory Symptoms in Motorcyclists in Lahore

Background:Road-traffic emissions induce adverse health effects, mainlyrespiratoryhealth problems.Due to long-term exposure to these air pollutants, motorcyclists are at high riskof developing respiratory illnesses orworsening pre-existent diseases.This study aimed to determine the pattern of respiratory symptomsin motorcyclists in Lahore.Material and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectionalstudy was conductedfrom Jan 2019-July 2019 among motorcyclists in Lahore. Using convenience sampling technique, a sample of 209 motorcyclistswas selected.A self-constructed pre-tested questionnaire was used.Data wereanalyzed usingSPSS version 23.Results:The mean age of participants was 34.8±11.4years. The mean duration of using a motorcycle was 14.9±8.8years.The majority of motorcyclists traveled1-3 hours per day.About 38.3% participants reported of having frequent respiratory illnesses. The cough was the main symptom reported by 63.6% of participants. Other reported symptoms were wheezing(20.1%), shortness of breath(37.8%), chest tightness(33.5%), nasal congestion (17.7%),sneezing (39.7%)irritation of the throat(47.4%),and asthma(22.5%). Only 29% of motorcyclists usedmaskswhile riding the bikes. Twenty-two percent of respondents gave a history of hospitalization due to respiratory illnesses.Conclusion:The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among motorcyclists was high in Lahore.The cough was the main symptom,reported by 63.6% of participants. Other symptoms included productive cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, symptoms of rhinitis, irritation of throat and asthma. A very low percentage of motorcyclists usedface masks.