LEUVEN, Belgium, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Exposure to occupational agents at work should be taken into account as a risk factor for the occurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). This conclusion on the chronic sinusitis study* will be discussed, alongside other issues at the 9^th Symposium on Experimental Rhinology and Immunology of the Nose, SERIN, 2013 organised by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, EAACI, set to take place at the University of Leuven from 21-23 March.

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Additionally, continued exposure in places of work is seen as a leading factor in its recurrence or persistence, as evidenced by the need for revision surgery.

Acute and chronic rihnosinusitis (ARS and CRS) are common diseases affecting up to 10 per cent of the Western population and are usually treated by functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) when medical treatment fails. However 10 to 15 per cent of operated patients respond insufficiently to FESS with the main reason believed to be exposure to inhaled noxious agents. The recent studies involving a controlled patient population further point to evidence that occupational exposure represents a large risk factor for the occurrence of rhinosinusitits and its recurrence after surgery.

Occupational agents that were most frequently mentioned by patients and controls are: bleach, inorganic dust, paints, cement, thinner, ammonia, white spirit, fuel gas and acetone with cleaners, caretakers, housewives, builders, painters, carpenters and mechanics the occupations most at risk.

The conclusion, spearheaded by Professor Peter Hellings from the Department of ENT at University Hospital Leuven and Chair of SERIN 2013, reveal that in addition to the continued need to prevent harmful exposure at work, there is a further necessity for more research in this area through prospective clinical studies as well as fundamental research exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of occupational upper airway disease.

    Estimated Occurrence of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Europe**
              Portugal                       27.10%
               Belgium                       18.80%
               Poland                        17.10%
           The Netherlands                   14.30%
               France                        13.30%
                Italy                        10.90%
                 UK                          10.60%
               Germany                       10.50%
               Denmark                        7.90%
               Sweden                         8.65%
               Finland                        6.90%

SERIN 2013

This unique meeting is dedicated to basic and clinical aspects of upper airway disease, focusing on the most recent developments in research and scientific achievements in the field of upper airway diseases such as allergic and non-allergic infectious rhinitis, rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. The latest information on the pathogenesis, genetics, phenotypes, and treatment will be provided by the large and distinguished panel of experts from around the world.

"SERIN meetings have always presented the best science to better understand molecular and cellular mechanisms of allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis, to develop better treatment approaches for patients," explained EAACI President, Professor Cezmi Akdis

SERIN 2013 will be held under the High Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, which underlines the importance and the official recognition of SERIN 2013 in Leuven.

About the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, EAACI is a non-profit organisation active in the field of allergic and immunologic diseases such as asthma, rhinitis, eczema, occupational allergy, food and drug allergy and anaphylaxis. EAACI was founded in 1956 in Florence and has become the largest medical association in the world  in the field of allergy and clinical immunology. It includes over 7,700 members from 121 countries worldwide, and all of the National Allergy Societies from Europe.

* Hox V, Delrue S, Scheers H, Adams E, Keirsbilck S, Jorissen M, Hoet PH, Vanoirbeek JA, Nemery B, Hellings PW. Negative impact of
occupational exposure on surgical outcome in patients with rhinosinusitis. Allergy 2012; 67: 560–565.

** Hastan D, Fokkens WJ, Bachert C, Newson RB, Bislimovska J, Bockelbrink A, Bousquet PJ, Brozek G, Bruno A, Dahle´n SE, Forsberg B, Gunnbjo¨rnsdo´ttir M, Kasper L, Kra¨mer U, Kowalski ML, Lange B, Lundba¨ck B, Salagean E, Todo-Bom A, Tomassen P, Toskala E, van Drunen CM, Bousquet J, Zuberbier T, Jarvis D, Burney P. Chronic rhinosinusitis in Europe – an underestimated disease. A GA2LEN study. Allergy 2011; 66: 1216–1223.

http://www.eaaci.org

http://www.eaaci-serin.org

SOURCE EAACI – European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology