Pregledni rad
RHINITIS AND THE WORKPLACE
Anita Ljubičić Ćalušić
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Jelena Macan
; Institut za medicinska istraživanja i medicinu rada, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Rhinitis is defined as the inflammation of the nasal mucosa characterised by the presence of one or more of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing and nasal itching. Occupational rhinitis occurs when nasal inflammation is caused only by substances or microclimatic conditions at the workplace that have irritative or aggravating effects on respiratory mucosa.
Occupational rhinitis should be differentiated from rhinitis exacerbated at work which is defined as nasal mucosa inflammation where the cause is not occupational in origin, but the workplace is the source of exposure to conditions that aggravate nasal symptoms, including exposure to respiratory irritants and adverse microclimatic conditions.
In the Republic of Croatia, from 2007 the List of Occupational Diseases (subsection 55) includes also allergic rhinitis caused by inhalation of substances with known allergenic properties specific to the workplace. In addition to the impact on the quality of life, work ability and socio-economic burden on the patient, occupational rhinitis poses a risk for the development of occupational asthma, a disorder with significantly greater impact on work ability and a financial burden on the employer and the community. Therefore, the importance of occupational rhinitis prevention and early detection of workers with the disease is emphasized.
Ključne riječi
allergy; asthma; irritative substances; occupational diseases; occupational environment; respiratory hazards; rhinitis
Hrčak ID:
87349
URI
Datum izdavanja:
3.10.2012.
Posjeta: 1.642 *