Respiratory tract symptoms

Non-specific symptoms such as low-grade fever, nonproductive cough, malaise, fatigue, myalgias, profound sweats, chest discomfort (upper respiratory tract symptoms are rare)... 

Although a causal relationship cannot be established, recent studies have suggested an association between asphalt fume exposure and acute lower respiratory tract symptoms including coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. ... 

Respiratory disease In general, antihistamines are not recommended to treat lower respiratory tract symptoms, because their anticholinergic effects may cause thickening of secretions and impair expectoration. However, several reports indicate antihistamines can be safely used in asthmatic patients with severe perennial allergic rhinitis. 

Stachybotrys chartarum is one of the most commonly noted agents associated with so-called sick building or damp building-related syndrome and damp building-related illnesses (DBRI). While upper and some lower respiratory tract symptoms have been accepted as causally linked to human exposure to moldy damp indoor environments, other reported effects, including airflow obstruction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary hemorrhage, neurologic effects and cancer, have not (Institute of Medicine, 2004). An excellent recent review of S. chartarum, associated trichothecene mycotoxins, and DBRI is available (Pestka et al, 2008). 

Lee et al. reported on the prevalence of pulmonary and upper respiratory tract symptoms experienced by pressmen exposed to low levels of aliphatic hydrocarbons, limonene, glycol ethers, isopropyl alcohol, and mineral oil. The airborne levels of these solvents were below the permissible exposure limits. 23 No explanation was offered to account for the observed results. 

Lee BW, Kelsey KT, Hashimoto D, et al. The prevalence of pulmonary and upper respiratory tract symptoms and spirometric test findings among newspaper pressroom workers exposed to solvents. J Occup Environ Med 1997 39(10) 960-9. 

Newspaper pressmen exposed to solvents and oils developed pulmonary and upper respiratory tract symptoms following their exposures. The chemicals they inhaled included... 

Thrasher et al. 1987, 1990). Elevated serum levels of IgE antibodies and respiratory tract symptoms were foimd in groups of children exposed to classroom air concentrations of 0.075, 0.069, and 0.043 ppm formaldehyde (Wantke et al. 1996a). However, the relevance of these findings to the possibility of respiratory tract sensitization to formaldehyde is uncertain because the elevated levels of IgE were not correlated with the number and severity of symptoms, and the symptoms were more indicative of irritant responses than asthma-type responses expected to be mediated through IgE antibodies. 

Overall average concentration 300 Average employment duration, Undefined respiratory tract symptoms, Knave et al. 

Recent case reports suggest that prolonged exposure to kerosene vapors may result in development of asthma and other respiratory tract symptoms (Todd and Buick 2000). Three families (six adults, three children) were exposed to kerosene vapors for 4-8 months as a result of a spill near their homes. Exposures occurred for an estimated 100 hr/wk. Concentrations in one home were measured at 5.6-79.7 mg/m3. Three of the children and one adult developed asthma that persisted for more than 2 yr. The remaining adults developed other respiratory tract symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, watery eyes, stuffed noses, and chest tightness. That study is limited because only a small group of people (n = 9) were exposed. 

Knave et al. (1978) conducted a cross-sectional epidemiologic study, focusing on the nervous system end points, of 30 exposed and unexposed workers in a jet-motor factory in Sweden. The workers were said to have been exposed to the Swedish military equivalent of JP-4 for a mean period of 17 years. The authors reported that acute symptoms—including respiratory tract symptoms (undefined), palpitations, and a feeling of pressure in the chest—may have been associated with the exposures. 

The combination is recommended for the relief of cough and upper respiratory tract symptoms (including nasal congestion) associated with allergy or common cold. 

Prometh with codeine syrup 10 mg codeine phosphate and 6.25 mg promethazine hydrochloride) Promethazine competitively antagonizes histamine at H,-receptor sites and prodnces sedative as well as antiemetic effects. Codeine stimnlates opiate receptors in the CNS in addition to cansing respiratory depression, peripheral vasodilation, inhibition of intestinal peristalsis, stimulation of the chemoreceptors that cause vomiting, increased bladder tone, and suppression of cough. They are indicated in the temporary relief of coughs and upper respiratory tract symptoms associated with allergy or the common cold. 

Haselow, D.T. et al.. Gastrointestinal and respiratory tract symptoms following brief environmental exposure to aerosols during a pfiesteria-related fish kiU, J. Toxicol. Environ. Health A 63, 553, 2001. Burkholder, J.M. et al.. Fish kills linked to a toxic ambush-predator dinoflagellate distribution and environmental conditions.. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 124,43, 1995. 

Benzyl chloride (a-chloroioluene, [chloro-meihyllbenzene [CAS 100-44-7]) Highly irritating to skin and eyes. A potent lacrimator. Vapors highly irritating to respiratory tract. Symptoms include weakness, headache, and irritability. May injure liver. Limited evidence for carcinogenicity and adverse effects on fetal development in test animals. 

Isoamyl acelale (banana oil, 3-melhyl butyl acetate [CAS 123-92-2]) May be Irritating to skin upon prolonged contact. Vapors mildly Irritating to eyes and respiratory tract. Symptoms in men exposed to 950 ppm for 0.5 hour included headache, weakness, dyspnea, and irritation of the nose and throat. A CNS depressant at high doses in test animals. 100 ppm 1000 ppm 1 3 0 Colorless liquid. Banana-like odor and irritation occur at low levels and are good warning properties. Vapor pressure is 4 mm Hg at 20°C (68°F). Flammable. 

Phenol (carhollc acid, hydroxyhenzene [CAS 108-95-2]) Corrosive acid and protein denaturant. Direct eye or skin contact causes severe tissue damage or blindness. Deep skin burns can occur without warning pain, Systemic toxicity by all routes percutaneous absorption of vapor occurs. Vapors highly irritatihg to eyes and respiratory tract. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, circulatory collapse, convulsions, and coma. Toxic to liver and kidney. A tumor promoter. See also p 302. 

Toxicology LD50 (oral, wild bird) 422 mg/kg may be harmful by inh., ing., or skin absorp. irritating to eyes, skin, mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract symptoms of exposure to related compds. are skin and Gl tract irritation, sensitization, blistering, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary tract irritation, initial excitement, convulsions, CNS depression TSCA listed... 

Falk ES, Hektoen H, Thune PO (1985) Skin and respiratory tract symptoms in veterinary surgeons. Contact Dermatitis 12 274-278... 

Cases of acute arsenical poisoning due to inhalation are exceedingly rare in industry. When it does occur, respiratory tract symptoms—cough, chest pain,... 

Another randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation was undertaken in 162 adult subjects with a biweekly questionnaire to record symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. While dosing with 2000 lU vitamin D daily in the treated group increased circulating 25(OH)D values, no differences in respiratory tract symptoms or their severity were noted relative to controls (Li-Ng et al. 2009). 

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