Occupational rhinitis and asthma: where do we stand, where do we go?
This review provides an overview of current and emerging issues regarding occupational rhinitis (OR) and occupational asthma (OA), focusing on studies discussing concepts and results that are relevant to both diseases. OA and OR are conditions that affect the upper and lower airways, are characterized by reduced airway caliber and hyperresponsiveness and by inflammation, and are caused by agents present in the workplace. To explain disease expression, research is moving from the T-helper type 1/type 2 cells paradigm to consider the contribution of diverse alternative pathways such as neural inflammation, a dysfunctional epithelial barrier, and autoimmune mechanisms, among others. Objective assessment of OR and OA has been improved and tested for research and, currently, clinical application. Further developments in the field of OR are expected to lead to more generalized clinical applications, following the example of what has been achieved for OA.
Castano
Roberto
R
Department of Otolaryngology/Research Center, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Boulevard Gouin Ouest, J-3185, Montréal, Québec, H4J 1C5, Canada. roberto.castano@mail.mcgill.ca
Malo
Jean-Luc
JL
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D020078:Neurogenic Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000276:immunology
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational