Exposure To Inhaled Agents At Work Means 1 In 4 Of Operated Chronic Sinusitis Patients Fail To Recover

Date: Mar-22-2013Exposure to occupational agents at work should be taken into account as a risk factor
for the occurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This conclusion on the chronic
sinusitis study* will be discussed, alongside other issues at the 9th Symposium on
Experimental Rhinology and Immunology of the Nose, SERIN, 2013 organised by the European
Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, EAACI, set to take place at the University of
Leuven from 21-23 March.

Additionally, continued exposure in places of work is seen as a leading factor in its
recurrence or persistence, as evidenced by the need for revision surgery.

Acute and chronic rihnosinusitis (ARS and CRS) are common diseases affecting up to 10
per cent of the Western population and are usually treated by functional endoscopic sinus
surgery (FESS) when medical treatment fails. However 10 to 15 per cent of operated
patients respond insufficiently to FESS with the main reason believed to be exposure to
inhaled noxious agents. The recent studies involving a controlled patient population
further point to evidence that occupational exposure represents a large risk factor for
the occurrence of rhinosinusitits and its recurrence after surgery.

Occupational agents that were most frequently mentioned by patients and controls are:
bleach, inorganic dust, paints, cement, thinner, ammonia, white spirit, fuel gas and
acetone with cleaners, caretakers, housewives, builders, painters, carpenters and
mechanics the occupations most at risk.

The conclusion, spearheaded by Professor Peter Hellings from the Department of ENT at
University Hospital Leuven and Chair of SERIN 2013, reveal that in addition to the
continued need to prevent harmful exposure at work, there is a further necessity for more
research in this area through prospective clinical studies as well as fundamental research
exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of occupational upper airway disease.

SERIN 2013

This unique meeting is dedicated to basic and clinical aspects of upper airway
disease, focusing on the most recent developments in research and scientific achievements
in the field of upper airway diseases such as allergic and non-allergic infectious
rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. The latest information on the pathogenesis,
genetics, phenotypes, and treatment will be provided by the large and distinguished panel
of experts from around the world.

"SERIN meetings have always presented the best science to better understand molecular
and cellular mechanisms of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, to develop better
treatment approaches for patients," explained EAACI President, Professor Cezmi Akdis

SERIN 2013 will be held under the High Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid
of Belgium, which underlines the importance and the official recognition of SERIN 2013 in
Leuven.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.