Roberto Castano1, Gilles Thériault, Denyse Gautrin. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. roberto.castano@mail.mcgill.ca
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In clinical practice a perforation of the nasal septum secondary to an occupational exposure to corrosive chemicals is not considered a sequel of rhinitis. METHODS: Relevant articles published in the last 26 years were searched and retrieved from PubMed. RESULTS: Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin show a history of rhinitis with a gradual installation of symptoms and damage of the nasal mucosa progressing to ulceration and ultimately to perforation of the nasal septum. CONCLUSION: Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin exhibit the clinical and histopathological features of rhinitis whereby they should be categorized as rhinitics. This rhinitis should be considered as a type of irritant-induced occupational rhinitis and classified as corrosive rhinitis.
BACKGROUND: In clinical practice a perforation of the nasal septum secondary to an occupational exposure to corrosive chemicals is not considered a sequel of rhinitis. METHODS: Relevant articles published in the last 26 years were searched and retrieved from PubMed. RESULTS:Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin show a history of rhinitis with a gradual installation of symptoms and damage of the nasal mucosa progressing to ulceration and ultimately to perforation of the nasal septum. CONCLUSION:Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin exhibit the clinical and histopathological features of rhinitis whereby they should be categorized as rhinitics. This rhinitis should be considered as a type of irritant-induced occupational rhinitis and classified as corrosive rhinitis.