Work-Related Upper-Airway Disorders.

Work-related rhinitis and laryngeal disorders are common and can significantly contribute to work absences and presenteeism. Each can cause respiratory symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as asthma symptoms, and each may occur as an isolated disorder or may also accompany asthma. Suspicion of these disorders and correct management require a careful medical and occupational history. Investigations for work-related rhinitis include examination of the nose, allergy skin tests, and in some cases, monitoring of peak inspiratory nasal flows at work and off work, or specific challenge tests. Work-related laryngeal disorders require assistance from an otolaryngologist and speech language pathologist.