Occupational rhinitis

Abstract

Occupational rhinitis is defined as that occurring secondary to exposure in the workplace to causal agents. Nasalitching, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion are the common presentations. Avoidance of exposure and an adequatepharmacotherapy are important measures for the treatment. However, occupational rhinitis is frequently under-diagnoseddue to lack of physician awareness. If exposure to the offending agent persists, occupational rhinitis may develop intooccupational asthma. For this reason, the knowledge of occupational rhinitis is important to help affected workers not tohave reduced work abilities and quality of lives caused by a preventable and curable disease.

Key words: Occupational rhinitis, Allergen, Irritant, Occupational asthma