[Premorbid states of the bronchopulmonary system in workers in nitrogen fertilizer manufacture].

Abstract

Prophylactic medical examination of workers engaged in the nitrous mineral fertilizers production (NMFP) revealed a group with the premorbid conditions of nonspecific pulmonary diseases. Advanced examination of subjects with premorbid forms of chronic bronchitis showed disorders in immunologic status and markedly changed external respiration parameters in restrictive and obstructive types. The disorders depended on the length of service. Immunologic tests combined with bronchial patency examination were recommended form early diagnosis of nonspecific pulmonary diseases in NMFP workers. Autoimmune reactions to the tracheal and pulmonary antigens play an important role in diagnosis of nonspecific pulmonary diseases.