The allergist and the workplace: occupational asthma and rhinitis.

Occupational respiratory disease is a significant problem and appears to be on the rise. The allergist should make every effort to become familiar with the workplace environment and appreciate the many causes of occupational rhinitis and asthma. In addition to prescribing appropriate medications, the clinician should be the patients total health advocate in terms of encouraging changes in the working environment to benefit the patient. Inattention to this may result, particularly in the case of occupational asthma, in progressive respiratory deterioration.