Factors Affecting Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Pneumoconiosis Cases: A Cross-sectional Study Between 2017 and 2022 in Turkey

ObjectivesIt was aimed to determine the factors affecting the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in pneumoconiosis casesMethodsPneumoconiosis cases were divided into two groups as those with only pneumoconiosis and those with coexistence of pneumoconiosis and COPD. Demographic data, smoking habits, pulmonary function test, radiological findings, and occupational risk factors of the cases were compared. Results Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was detected in 134 of 465 pneumoconiosis cases (28.8%) included in the study. It was determined that patients who developed COPD were statistically significantly older, had longer exposure duration, had lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity values, and had more pulmonary symptoms. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease development was more common in sandblasting workers, dental technicians, and miners than in other occupations.ConclusionIt has been shown that the risk of developing COPD is high in cases of pneumoconiosis, independent of smoking, especially in certain occupational groups.