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The present document is the result of a consensus reached by a panel of experts from European and non-European countries on Occupational Rhinitis (OR), a disease of emerging relevance which has received little attention in comparison to occupational asthma. The document covers the main items of OR including epidemiology, diagnosis, management, socio-economic impact, preventive strategies and medicolegal issues. An operational definition and classification of OR tailored on that of occupational asthma, as well as a diagnostic algorithm based on steps allowing for different levels of diagnostic evidence are proposed. The needs for future research are pointed out. Key messages are issued for each item.

To investigate the usefulness of nasal blown secretion evaluation during specific nasal provocation test (sNPT) in diagnosing occupational rhinitis (OR). To validate the method, nasal blown secretions from 103 healthy subjects and 30 allergic rhinitis patients were analyzed. Furthermore, we analyzed nasal blown secretions, collected before and after sNPT, of 29 subjects with work-related rhinitis symptoms (WRRS) who underwent the diagnostic pathway for OR. Rhinoscopy and nasal symptom score were used to define a positive sNPT. A total of 89.6% WRRS subjects provided suitable nasal secretions. Eosinophils significantly increased after positive sNPTs compared to negative ones ( P = 0.006). Four percent and/or 1 × 104 eosinophils/ml was the cut-off for a significant post-sNPT eosinophil increase. A total of 4/13 (33%) WRRS subjects with negative sNPT, assessed by rhinoscopy and nasal symptom score, presented a significant post-sNPT nasal eosinophil increase, and were identified as possible OR. Eosinophil evaluation in nasal blown secretions is an important tool in monitoring the response to occupational specific nasal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article cites a study of occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis in hairdressers. Hairdressers, suggestively, are at risk for occupational diseases because they are exposed to several reactive agents with potentially irritant and sensitizing effects on the airways and on the skin. A total of 47 hairdressers with suspected occupational asthma from 1996 to 2004 were used in this study. A detailed occupational history was obtained from the patients. Spirometry was performed according to European Respiratory Society guidelines. Skin-prick tests results for common inhalant allergens were positive in 10 patients, who were considered atopics. The results of spirometry, methacholine tests, and bronchodilator tests were normal.