Categorizing nasal septal perforations of occupational origin as cases of corrosive rhinitis

Abstract

Background: In clinical practice a perforation of the nasal septum secondary to an occupational exposure to corrosive chemicals is not considered a sequel of rhinitis. Methods: Relevant articles published in the last 26 years were searched and retrieved from PubMed. Results: Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin show a history of rhinitis with a gradual installation of symptoms and damage of the nasal mucosa progressing to ulceration and ultimately to perforation of the nasal septum. Conclusion: Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin exhibit the clinical and histopathological features of rhinitis whereby they should be categorized as rhinitics. This rhinitis should be considered as a type of irritant-induced occupational rhinitis and classified as corrosive rhinitis. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.