Assessment of spirometric parameters and sensitivity to exercise-induced bronchospasm in school children attending schools located near road traffic in Brazzaville

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess spirometric parameters and determine the level of sensitivity to exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in schoolchildren exposed to automotive pollutants. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving 156 subjects divided into two groups: The exposed group (EG) made up of 84 subjects from a school located near a main road and the less exposed group (LEG) made up of 72 subjects from a school located away from road traffic. A 6 minute stress test was performed. The spirometric measurements were made before and 5 minute after the stress test. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in the mean values of the peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal expiratory flow at 25-75 % of the forced vital capacity (FEF2575) recorded before exercise in girls and boys from the EG compared to those obtained before exercise in girls and boys from the LEG. A total of 15.48 % of the EG subjects were sensitive to the EIB compared to 9.72% of the LEG subjects. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to automotive pollutants can to alter lung function and increase the sensitivity rate to EIB in schoolchildren attending school located near road traffic.