Prevalence of rhinitis symptoms among textile industry workers exposed to cotton dust

Abstract

Summary Introduction: The respiratory tract is one of the main points of entry of foreign substances into the body. Because of its location, the respiratory tract is heavily exposed to harmful agents, such as gases, vapors, or aerosols. Aim: Our objective was to evaluate the symptoms of occupational rhinitis in workers exposed to cotton dust. Method: The prospective study population consisted of workers from the “Nova Esperança” Cooperative of Nova Odessa (Sao Paulo), who were studied between September and December 2008. Data were collected through an individually and privately answered questionnaire designed by the author considering the clinical criteria for rhinitis. Results: Using the questionnaire, we evaluated a total of 124 workers. Among these patients, 63.7% complained of nasal obstruction, 57.2% of nasal itching, 46.7% of rhinorrhea, and 66.1% of sneezing. Of the patients considered to have very serious symptoms, 9% had nasal obstruction; 9%, itching; 4%, rhinorrhea; and 6.4%, sneezing. Discussion: Aerosol agents in the environment can clearly aggravate and even initiate rhinitis. From the standpoint of pathogenesis, the mechanisms of classical allergic airway inflammation involving mast cells, IgE, histamine, eosinophils, and lymphocytes may be responsible for the development of rhinitis after exposure to high molecular weight allergens such as proteins derived from animals and plants. This study showed a strong relationship between the occupational exposures associated with work in the cotton textile industry and the symptoms of rhinitis. Conclusion: Analysis of the data clearly showed the occurrence of rhinitis symptoms in these patients, demonstrating that the prevention and treatment of this condition in the workplace is extremely important.

How face masks influence the sinonasal quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Using such equipment may harm the sinonasal quality of life (QoL), among other reasons, through inhalation of fabric dust entrapped in the masks and subsequent mucosal reaction [ 2 ]. This mechanism was related to the increased prevalence of rhinitis and nasal polyposis among textile workers [ 3 , 4 ]. In contrast, Dror et al have shown that both standard surgical masks and N95 respirators may improve nasal symptoms of intermittent allergic rhinitis [ 5 ].…”

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Individual Prevention Practices Among Textile Workers in Vietnam

“…The results from this study is congruent with findings from studies amongst textile workers in other countries. Dantas et al reported similar pervalence of rhinitis symptoms in textile industry workers in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Dantas et al, 2013). Similarly, Nagoda et al reported pervalence of 63% for respiratory symptoms and 59% rhinitis amongst workers exposed to cotton dust in a textile company in Nigeria (Nagoda et al, 2012).…”