Work-related airway diseases.

Abstract

Work-related airway symptoms are very common. Occupational asthma may be present in up to 11 million American workers, and many more may also have occupational rhinitis. These illnesses can be related to both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms, and can be difficult to characterize and diagnose. A multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management is important to optimize recognition and treatment of these complex patients. The ORL nurse plays a key role in the workup and management of patients with work-related airway diseases.