EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Introduction: Smoking and occupational exposure to sawdust are known risk factors for respiratory problems. The high altitude region of north central Nigeria, particularly Jos, Plateau state, at 1250M above sea level, present a unique environment where the effect of these risk factors on ventilatory pattern can be investigated. This study aimed to assess the ventilatory pattern among smokers exposed to saw dust in this region.

Methodology:: A cross sectional study was conducted among 250 saw mill workers and 200 control subjects in Jos, Plateau state Nigeria. The mean (SD) age of the study and control subjects were 31.82 ± 15.21 and 32.05 ± 16.603 respectively, (p = 0.8852). Spirometry was used to asses ventilatory pattern, and the result were classified into obstructive, restrictive or normal patterns.

Results: The mean FEV1 and FVC among smoking subjects was 2.67 ml and 3.78 ml respectively with a mean ratio of 66.78% and the mean PEFR was 492.19 ml. An obstructive pattern of lung diseases with FEV1/FVC ratio of < 70% of predicted was found in 44.2% of study subjects who are smokers compared to 35% non smokers and 1% control subjects. There were 21% of the subject who smokes presented with restrictive pattern compared to 9% and zero % in none smokers and of the control.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that smoking and exposure to saw dust in a high altitude region ay exacerbate respiratory problems. This study highlights the need for urgent intervention to reduce the burden of respiratory problems among saw mill workers and smokers in high altitude regions. The findings also underscore the importance of implementing measures to minimize exposure to saw dust and promoting smoking cessation programs in these areas.

 Keywords: Ventilatory Pattern; Smokers; Sawdust; Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs); Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

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