Atopic and non-atopic asthma in a farming and a general population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In a previous study inverse associations between asthma and exposure to fungal spores and endotoxins in atopic farmers and positive associations with the same factors in non-atopic farmers were documented. No external reference population had been included. We, therefore, compared this farming population with the general population from an adjacent region.

METHODS:

Random samples of a farming (n=2,106) and a rural (n=351) and urban (n=727) general population were selected. Atopy was assessed by serum IgE and asthma by questionnaires.

RESULTS:

The asthma prevalence was 4.0% among farmers, 5.7% in the rural, and 7.6% in the urban population. Atopy was similar (9-10%). Most asthmatics were not atopic, 67-75%. Farmers had asthma less often than the general population OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.36-0.75); both atopic (OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.15-0.69)) and non-atopic asthma (OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.39-0.93)).

CONCLUSION:

This may indicate a protective effect of the farm environment on asthma but a healthy worker effect may also play a role.

• Authors: Wijnand Eduard, Ernst Omenaas, Per Sigvald Bakke, Jeroen Douwes, Dick Heederik
• Journal: American journal of industrial medicine (Am J Ind Med) Vol. 46 Issue 4 Pg. 396-9 (Oct 2004) ISSN: 0271-3586 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15376208 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Endotoxins

Topics

• Adult
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Agricultural Workers' Diseases (epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
• Asthma (epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
• Dermatitis, Atopic (epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
• Endotoxins (immunology)
• Environmental Exposure (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Norway (epidemiology)
• Occupational Exposure (adverse effects)
• Prevalence
• Rural Population
• Spores, Fungal (immunology)
• Surveys and Questionnaires