Abstract

Occupational rhinitis (OR) has so far received little attention even though it shares common pathophysiological features and trigger factors and is closely associated with occupational asthma (OA). Work-related exposure to certain substances, such as animal dander, is considered to be the main factor for the development of OR. The new EAACI definition of OR stresses the causal relationship between workplace exposure and onset of rhinitis symptoms as opposed to previous definitions that mainly focused on a temporal relationship between workplace exposure and occurrence of nasal symptoms. Also, it has been suggested to use the term “work-related rhinitis” for classifying the different forms of rhinitis associated with the workplace. These forms can be subdivided into allergic or non-allergic OR, which is due to causes and conditions related to a particular work environment, as well as work-exacerbated rhinitis, which is defined as a pre-existing rhinitis exacerbated by exposure at the workplace. Even though taking a detailed patient history is especially important when it comes to diagnosing OR, the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis is nasal provocation testing. Best possible symptomatic relief and prevention of development of OA constitute the main therapeutic objectives in OR. Treatment options consist of total avoidance of trigger substances (main goal), reduction of exposure to certain substances, and pharmacotherapy. Furthermore, it is important to note that allergic OR is an occupational disease in Germany (Berufs­krankheit No 4301) and needs to be reported to health authorities.

Author Details

Authors

• Sebastian Kotz¹
• Lisa Pechtold¹,²
• Rudolf A. Jörres³
• Dennis Nowak³
• Adam M. Chaker¹,²

Departments

• ¹ Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany,
• ² Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM) of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), and
• ³ Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Clinical Center of the Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany, Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC) Munich, German Center for Lung Research (DZL)

Address

Sebastian Kotz, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
Email: [email protected]

Citation