8292394 Clinical and etiological profile of occupational allergic rhinitis in Tunisia

<h3>Objective</h3> To describe the socio-professional, clinical and etiological characteristics of occupational allergic rhinitis in Tunisia and to assess its impact on fitness for work. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective descriptive study of cases of occupational allergic rhinitis who consulted an occupational health department, known as a reference in occupational allergology in the northern region of Tunisia, over a period of 25 years. <h3>Results</h3> The total number of cases was 94. The mean age was 40.4±8.8 years, with a female predominance (sex ratio=0.77). They were mainly skilled (35.1%) or unskilled (58.5%) workers with 13.53±7.24 years‘ professional experience, working in the automotive (23.4%), textile (20.2%) and healthcare (8%) sectors. Our population was non-smokers in 83% of cases and had no extra-professional activities. Family and personal atopy were reported in only 23.4% and 4% of cases respectively. Clinical symptoms were dominated by nasal pruritus (80.9%), rhinorrhoea (71.3%), sneezing (59.6%) and nasal obstruction (31.9%). It appeared on average 8.3±4.3 years after recruitment. The agents responsible were mainly isocyanates (25.5%), textile dusts (14%), moulds (7.4%), flour and cereals (5.3%) and formaldehyde (4.3%). Occupational rhinitis was isolated (76.6%) or associated with asthma (23.4%). Rhinitis was declared as a compensable occupational disease in 33% of cases and justified a modified workstation (65%) or a transfer to another workstation (34%), with a clear post-eviction improvement in 10% of cases and partial improvement in 78.7% of cases. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Occupational rhinitis affects both employees’ quality of life and their performance at work, which is why it is so important to step up preventive measures and encourage early detection.