Occupational rhinitis: consensus on diagnosis and medicolegal implications.
OBJECTIVE
Work-related rhinitis is a common disease in many working groups, frequently associated with asthma. The purpose of this review is to summarize the specific literature published within the past 12 months, to discuss the diagnostic workup and to illustrate the medicolegal aspects pertaining to this disease.


RESULTS
Recently, there has been a growing scientific interest in work-related rhinitis, which includes both occupational rhinitis and work-exacerbated rhinitis. The epidemiological relevance and the relationships to asthma have been evaluated. New etiologic agents and populations at risk have been identified. A new definition and classification, and a diagnostic algorithm, have been proposed.


CONCLUSIONS
In consideration of the epidemiological relevance and of the medicolegal implications, occupational rhinitis should be considered in daily clinical practice by all physicians. In adults with late-onset rhinitis, occupational causes should be queried and patients in whom an occupational association is suspected should be referred for specific assessments.
Allergy and Immunology Unit, Fondazione 'Salvatore Maugeri', Institute of Research and Care, Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Gianna
G
Moscato
Giovanni
G
Rolla
Andrea
A
Siracusa
D000485:Allergens; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D014942:Workers' Compensation
D000485:Allergens