Occupational Allergic Rhinitis: What Do We Know?

Abstract

• The main objectives of the management of occupational rhinitis are, elimination of symptoms and prevention of development of asthma. • Management strategies include, environmental interventions (cessation or reducing the exposure to the causal agent) and appropriate pharmacologic treatment. • Drug therapy does not differ from non-occupational rhinitis. • Given the increased risk for occupational asthma in patients with occupational rhinitis, the most effective approach is complete avoidance of exposure to the offending agent. However, if complete cessation of exposure leads to adverse socio-economic measures, reduction in contact with the agent in combination with drug therapy can be considered. • Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been used for a few sensitizers in occupational allergic diseases. The use of AIT is very limited due to inadequate standardization of occupational allergens. Effective treatment of patients with occupational allergy by the use of AIT may allow workers to continue their work when exposure can not be avoided. The new technologies are expected to improve the quality and efficacy of specific immunotherapy in patients with occupational allergy in the future.