Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective To describe the socio-professional, clinical and etiological characteristics of occupational allergic rhinitis in Tunisia and to assess its impact on fitness for work. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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.
Authors: Fatma Ezzahra Boujmil, Nihel Khouja, Emna Baraketi, Khalil Grissa, Yasmine Tebourbi, Saloua Ismaïl, Jihène Hsinet, Aïda Benzarti
Institution: Hôpital La Rabta
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414965339
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