What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

Airborne Irritant Induced Rhinosinusitis

Sinusitis from Airborne Irritants

What is Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis? (Definition/Background Information)

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis is a form of sinusitis that usually occurs in an occupational environment. It can be caused by irritating dust and chemical vapors, which are airborne particulate matter

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses; the sinuses are small air-filled spaces inside the cheekbones and forehead. Their function is to secrete mucus that lines the nasal passage, thereby protecting it from external agents (pollutants or pathogens)

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis causes inflamed sinus cavities and difficulty breathing through one’s nose, apart from other signs and symptoms of the eyes, forehead, and even of the mouth/jaws. Severe cases may even result in asthma attacks, chronic sinusitis, and ear infections

The treatment of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis involves a complete avoidance of the causative agent, the use of nasal sprays, decongestants, and oral medications

The condition can resolve without any significant complications, if suitable treatment is provided. However, identifying and avoiding the offending substance is the most important step towards preventing Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis

Who gets Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis can affect individuals of any age group

Both men and women are affected by this condition

No racial, ethnic, or geographical predominance is observed. Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis is observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk for Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis may include exposure to any of the following substances:

Industrial chemical fumes and gases

Exposure to ammonia and formaldehyde vapors

Dust from an industrial setting such as from woodcutting or fiberglass cutting

Tobacco smoke

Individuals in the following trades or profession are at an increased risk:

Cooks and chefs

Welders

Glass blowers

Factory or industrial workers

Agriculture, farming

Mining

Construction workers

Transportation

Individuals working in the environmental services

Also, people living in highly polluted cities and towns (pollution that occurs due to dust, smoke, and other airborne particulate matter) have a high risk for the condition.

The following factors or health conditions can render an individual more prone to Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis:

Birth defects of the nasal passage

Nasal tumors and polyps

Trauma to the nose and cheeks

Certain medical procedures (nasal tube)

Cystic fibrosis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Asthma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis? (Etiology)

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis is a type of sinusitis, which is inflammation of the sinus cavity

The inhaled airborne irritants (particulate matter from dust or gaseous fumes) irritate the mucosal membranes of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat, leading to its inflammation

The swelling blocks the sinus openings and does not allow mucus to drain properly, leading to facial pain and other symptoms of sinusitis. This also makes the body open to infection by other microorganisms

In many cases, continuous and repeated exposure to the harmful airborne particulate matter takes place. Such an exposure is mostly seen in an industrial or occupational setup

The irritants could be organic dust, metal-based (fumes), wood-based, agriculture products related, industrial chemicals (organic and inorganic), and even microorganisms

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis?

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis signs and symptoms are observed following exposure to the airborne allergens/irritants. It may include the following:

Thick discharge from the nose, which may be greenish or yellowish in color

Blocked nose; congestion causing difficulty in breathing

Swelling of the face, facial tenderness

Pain in the nose, eyes, cheeks, forehead, and even in the jaws

Reduced sense of smell and taste

Cough, sore throat, body aches

Note: Not all individuals are affected by the same substance or to the same intensity.

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis may involve:

A complete evaluation of one’s medical history (including occupational history, nature of work) to learn about the source of the condition

A thorough physical examination to observe the clinical signs and symptoms of the condition

Complete blood count (CBC) and other blood tests to determine the presence of antibodies to potential irritants

Nasal endoscopy to check the inside of the nose

CT and MRI scans of the sinuses

Nasal and sinus cultures

Allergy skin test

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis?

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis could lead to the following complications namely:

Asthma attacks, which may be severe

Acute and chronic sinusitis due to infections

Infection of the ear

Reduced vision

If the infection affects the brain, it can cause meningitis

Absence from work, decreased productivity

How is Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis Treated?

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis may be managed through the following measures:

Avoiding exposure to substances that are known airborne irritants

Use of nasal sprays to clear the nasal passage

Over-the-counter decongestants or medications

Medication to control pain

Nasal corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation

Immunotherapy, since the condition is caused by allergens

How can Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis be Prevented?

The following measures may be adopted to prevent Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis:

Identification and avoidance of substances that cause the irritation forms the first line of prevention

Avoid inhalation of airborne irritants, when possible

Use humidifier at home to add moisture to the indoor spaces

In case of an industrial exposure, use protective face masks or clothing

Observe safety regulations while handling chemicals

Enforcing governmental regulations on workplace safety and exposure to pollutants, chemicals, irritants, etc.

Creating an awareness amongst the workers and employers of the potential health hazards from inhaling smoke, dust, and gases

If the condition is due to an occupational exposure, then the occupation or job-related tasks or habits may have to be suitably modified

What is the Prognosis of Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis usually resolves if further exposure to the airborne irritant is stopped and suitable treatment provided

If the individual continues getting exposed to the offending substance, the sinusitis may persist and the condition may even worsen

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Airborne Irritant Induced Sinusitis:

Acute sinusitis affects the sinus cavities around the nasal passages, which gets swollen and inflamed, when attacked by a pathogenic microorganism. In this condition, individuals experience difficulty in breathing through their nose

The following article link will help you understand occupational asthma:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/occupational-asthma/