Spirometric Analysis of Bronchoprovocation among Capsicum annuum Vendors in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria
Abua Peter Okpagu
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Moses, Bassey Eka
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Akinsheye Joshua Akinsheye
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Anigbo Jeremiah Chukwuebuka *
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Abua Deborah Praise
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Etinosa-Okankan, Osarenaye Peter
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Uketiang Ebenezer Aniah
Department of Biochemistry, University of Cross River State, Calabar, Nigeria.
Ogar Genevieve Owogoga
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Occupational exposure to airborne irritants is a recognised risk factor for respiratory impairment. Capsicum annuum (commonly known as chilli pepper) vendors are frequently exposed to pepper powder, which may cause airway irritation and subclinical respiratory abnormalities. This study assessed the effect of chronic occupational exposure to Capsicum annuum powder on lung function and airway responsiveness among young adult vendors in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 80 adults aged 18–35 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into two groups: occupationally exposed Capsicum annuum vendors (Group I) and non-exposed individuals (Group II). Pulmonary function was assessed using a Vitalograph spirometer to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and FEV₁%. A histamine challenge test was administered using a nebuliser, and changes in FEV₁ were assessed after incremental histamine doses of 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg. Data were analysed using t-tests and presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Pulmonary function parameters decreased significantly (p < 0.001) following histamine exposure in the test group. After administration of 1.0 mg histamine, FVC, FEV₁, PEFR, and FEV₁% decreased to 2.98 ± 0.03 L, 1.94 ± 0.05 L, 205.76 ± 2.26 L/min, and 65.09 ± 1.30%, respectively. These changes indicate increased airway sensitivity and bronchial responsiveness. However, the reported correlation analyses did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between exposure duration and the spirometric indices. Regular occupational exposure to Capsicum annuum powder may therefore be associated with measurable changes in lung function and airway reactivity. These effects may occur without clinically apparent respiratory symptoms, highlighting the importance of appropriate protective measures, routine respiratory health screening, and occupational health awareness among pepper vendors.
Keywords: Capsicum annuum, airway hyperresponsiveness, spirometry, histamine challenge, occupational exposure, lung function, respiratory health, pepper vendors