Risk factors for respiratory and musculoskeletal disorders: the role of passive smoking and low back pain

Author(s)

Gabriel Faustino Santa Brígida

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Presidente Prudente. 2016-09-13.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia. Presidente Prudente
• Defense date: 2016-05-25
• Advisor: Dionei Ramos

Abstract

Introduction: It is estimated that one third of the world population involuntarily inhale cigarette smoke, which can cause adverse effects such as changes in vital signs, reduced lung function and increase the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. During exacerbation of asthma, there is increased activity of respiratory accessories and abdominal muscles, which can result in muscle adaptations and destabilization of the spine, with consequent reporting back pain. Aims: The aim of the first study was to evaluate the effects of passive smoking on lung function and vital signs and correlate with exposure factors and verify the benefits of cessation of exposure to cigarette smoke; the aim of the second was to investigate the association between low back pain and asthma in a large sample of twins. Methods: For the first study, 42 subjects were assessed (19 in the exposed group and 23 in the control group) in relation to pulmonary function, vital signs and history of exposure to cigarette smoke before and after 8 weeks of the end of exposure. For the second study, the sample consisted of 4,808 adult twins from the record of twins from Australia and Murcia. All twins answered questions about the prevalence of low back pain, asthma, and Smoking status history. Results and Conclusions: The first study showed that FVC passive smokers is reduced compared to individuals who have never smoked is. However, the FVC values presented by passive smokers in this study are within normal limits. The reduction in FVC is directly correlated with the amount of hours per day of exposure; and passive smokers showed no change in spirometric indices and vital signs after eight weeks of the end of exposure to cigarette smoke. The second study showed that low back pain is associated with asthma in the combined sample of twins (including australian and spanish twins) and the sample of australian twins, even after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index and smoking. However, genetic and environmental factors showed attenuate the strength of this association when controlled. Additionally, the prevalence of the disease and specific geographical exposures should be taken into account, since these factors can also influence this association. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/08950-0 - Analysis of the immune response, lung function and maximal aerobic power of passive smokers before and after cessation of exposure to secondhand smoke
• Grantee: Gabriel Faustino Santa Brígida
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master