LAUSR

Introduction Occupational asthma (OA), obstructive chronic bronchopneumonia (OCBP) and pneumoconiosis are occupational respiratory diseases having important impact on morbidity and mortality. Some population studies show that 15% of the cases of asthma with the adults can be attributed to work environment. The aims of this study is to evaluate the respiratory function especially the occupational asthma of workers in a plastic bag manufacturing factory in Togo. Material and methods By a cross sectional study, we included 182 workers in the sample. They filled a questionnaire and the workers with asthma complains was submitted to spirometry test. Results The mean age of subjects was 37,13±5,71 years with a male predominance (99,5%). The mean of the work experience was 7,66±2,88 years. 1,1% of workers were smokers. Rhinitis and conjunctivitis were reported with 79,7%. The frequency of occupational rhinitis was 62,6%. Subjects that presented asthma complains were 34,1%. In 25,8% of cases asthma complains are associated to the work. The abnormal pulmonary function was overlooked by reversible smalls airways pattern (6,6%) and reversible obstructive pattern (4,9%). Spirometry was compatible with asthma in 11,5% of cases. The prevalence of occupational asthma was 7,7%. Occupational asthma only concerns the posts of Thermo-welding and Extrusion. All the workers in these posts did not use respiratory protection. Conclusion Occupational asthma is a reality in a plastic bag manufacturing factory in Togo. This fact needs preventives and correctives actions to avoid that disease.