Cases

Aim. This study aimed to assess the long-term respiratory effects of tear gases among the subjects with history of frequent exposure. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire by NIOSH and pulmonary function tests was performed in 93 males exposed to the tear gases frequently and 55 nonexposed subjects. Results. The mean numbers of total exposure and last 2 years exposure were 8.4 +/- 6.4 times, 5.6 +/- 5.8 times, respectively. Tear gas exposed subjects were presented with a higher rate for cough and phlegm more than 3 months (24.7% versus 11.3%,P > 0.05). Mean FEV1/FVC and % predicted MMFR in smoker exposed subjects are significantly lower than those in smoker controls (81.7% versus 84.1%,P = 0.046 and 89.9% versus 109.6%,P = 0.0004, resp.). % predicted MMFR in nonsmoker exposed subjects is significantly lower than that in nonsmoker controls (99.4% versus 113.1%,P = 0.05). Odds ratios for chest tightness, exercise dyspnea, dyspnea on level ground, winter morning cough, phlegm, and daily phlegm were increased almost 2 to 2.5 folds among tear gas exposed subjects. Conclusion. The rates for respiratory complaints were high in the case of the exposure to the tear gases previously. Tears gas exposed subjects were found to be under the risk for chronic bronchitis

Survey of Physician's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Turkey

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the approaches of Turkish pulmonologists to the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in daily clinical practice

Epidemiological features of Turkish patients with sarcoidosis

Epidemiological characteristics of sarcoidosis differ according to geographical distribution. The aim of our study was to disclose epidemiological characteristics in our country.The data was collected from investigators, who sent information on newly-diagnosed patients via internet.In 2 years 198 female and 95 mate patients were enrolled to the study (f/m:2.08). Mean age of patients was 44 +/- 13 years (17-90). Mean age of mate patients was 38 12 while mean age of female patients was 48 13 (p < 0.001). 73.4% of patients were nonsmokers (85.4% of females; 48.4% of mates; (p < 0.001)). About 50% of our 293 patients were housewives. Familial sarcoidosis was found in 3 patients' first degree relatives. Estimated annual incidence of sarcoidosis for Turkey was calculated as 4 per 100,000 person.According to our study, 2/3 of sarcoidosis patients were women; mean age of patients was 45 and the disease began 10 years later in female patients. 80% of patients were nonsmokers; negative relation between sarcoidosis and smoking was evident especially in women. Familial sarcoidosis frequency was lower compared to other studies in the literature. There was no occupational exposure history in our patients. Our incidence rate, is similar with the results of other European studies. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved