Determinants of geographic tongue in patients with asthma

The study was conducted on 72 patients with asthma who attended the Asthma follow-up Clinic in King Abdel-Aziz University Hospital during one month. Diagnosis of bronchial asthma was confirmed through medical history, nature of the episodic attacks, complaints during attacks, chest X-ray, and lung function measurements before and after salbutamol inhalation. Total IgE level was determined for all patients. Detailed personal and clinical information were obtained on each patient. The presence of geographic tongue was checked through intraoral examination. The study showed high prevalence of geographic tongue [18%] among the asthmatic patients. Geographic tongue lesions were encountered more frequently among young patients, with no sex predilection. There was no significant tendency of occurrence of geographic tongue in patients with raised IgE levels, nor in those with known allergic disorders. Of interest, was the finding that geographic tongue was exclusively detected in patients with mild and episodic asthma, while no tongue lesions were detected in those with severe and chronic asthma

Health complaints among office employees exposed to video display terminals [VDT]

In order to study effects of use of VDT on the health of exposed workers, subjective symptoms and discomfort were evaluated by means of a questionnaire and compared between 366 video display terminal [VDT] operators and 112 controls. In addition, previous and current illness and educational status were also studied. Correlation regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between duration of exposure to VDT and occurrence and magnitude of various system discomfort scores. The results showed that VDT operators have significantly more eye discomfort and also more musculoskeletal discomfort in the neck, shoulder, h and s and back. They reported also more headache and skin disorders compared with the control group. Significant correlation relationships were found between eye discomfort, musculoskeletal discomfort, and headache in the subjects. The degree of the discomfort was significantly related to total daily work hours and duration of exposure to VDT in years. The latter relationships were independent of enterprises, the types of work and the make of VDT

role of occupation, diet and environment as risk factors in bronchial asthma

A total of 684 patients with asthma were administered a questionnaire to obtain information on personal lifestyle, occupational history, family history of allergy, respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and a detailed history about asthma. Patients were also subjected for detailed clinical assessment and investigation. In children asthma was more prevalent in males compared with females. While, among the adults, asthma was more prevalent among females. The majority of patients [89.7%] were life-long non-smokers. Allergic rhinitis [63.6%] were frequently encountered among the patients. Family history of asthma was reported by 52.2% of the patients. Paternal history of asthma was associated significantly with occurrence of asthma before the age of 15. Adult onset of asthma and history of allergy were significant risk factors affecting the course of an attack episode. The episode of asthma was seasonal in patients with early onset of asthma during childhood and in those with personal history of allergy. Nocturnal worsening of asthmatic symptoms were reported by a larger proportion of the patients [81.8%], young onset asthma and personal history of allergy were significant risk factors for developing nocturnal attacks of asthma. Sensitivity of food, respiratory irritants and changes in the weather were significant stimuli for an attack in adults and older patients with asthma. Infection was an important stimulus for asthmatic attacks in younger asthmatics. The role of occupational exposure was significant in the occurrence and severity of asthma

Epidemiology of bronchial asthma

One hundred and eighty four patients with asthma were administered a questionnaire to obtain information on personal lifestyle, occupational history, family history of allergy, respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and history about asthma. Patients were also subjected to detailed clinical assessment and investigations. In children asthma was more prevalent in males, while in adults, it was more prevalent among females. The majority of patients [89.7%] were life-long non-smokers. Allergic rhinitis [63.6%] was frequently encountered among the patients. A family history of asthma was reported by 52.2% of the patients. A paternal history of asthma was associated significantly with occurrence of asthma before the age of 15 years. Adult onset of asthma and history of allergy were significant risk factors affecting the course of an attack episode. The episode of asthma was seasonal in patients with early onset of asthma during childhood and in those with a personal history of allergy. Nocturnal deterioration of asthmatic symptoms were reported by a large proportion of the patients [81.8%]; young-onset asthma and personal history of allergy were significant risk factors for developing nocturnal attacks of asthma. Sensitivity to food, respiratory irritants and changes in the weather were significant stimuli for an attack in adults and older patients with asthma. Infection was an important stimulus for asthmatic attacks in young asthmatics. The role of occupational exposure was significant in the occurrence and severity of asthma

Standard values of screening tests of pulmonary functions for male Egyptian workers

Forced expiratory volume and flow were measured in 600 healthy male Egyptian manual workers using techniques and equipment that meet the American Thoracic Society [ATS] recommendations. Linear regression equations using age and height alone predicted the spirometric parameters as well as more complex equations using additional variables. The present study produced standard values for forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEVI], peak expiratory flow rate [PEF] and mid expiratory flow rate [FEF 25- 75]. The obtained values are lower than those derived from European populations. The observed differences could be of ethnic origin. Thus, the standard spirometric values obtained from the present study were recommended for use to evaluate Egyptian male manual workers instead of the European standards