Update on occupational rhinitis and asthma.

The workplace is emerging as an increasingly important venue for the development of rhinitis and asthma. There is no question that allergic diseases of the respiratory tract caused by occupational exposure are on the increase. The clinician's diagnostic index of suspicion must be high so that a diagnosis of occupational rhinitis and/or asthma can be made in a timely fashion. Altering the environment of the workplace or removing the patient from that workplace may spare the patient permanent damage.