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Occupational pharyngitis associated with allergic patch test reactions from acrylics
L Kanerva1, T Estlander, R Jolanki
1Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Allergy
|October 1, 1992
Summary
A dentist experienced throat inflammation from workplace acrylics. Patch tests revealed a strong allergy, suggesting type IV reactions may cause upper respiratory symptoms in occupational settings.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
- Dental Medicine
Background:
- Dental professionals, particularly orthodontists, are exposed to various chemicals, including acrylics.
- Upper respiratory symptoms like pharyngitis can impact a professional's well-being and work capacity.
Observation:
- A female orthodontist developed recurrent pharyngitis exclusively at her workplace.
- Environmental chamber provocation testing identified workplace acrylics as the causative agent for her symptoms.
Findings:
- Standard skin prick tests for acrylic allergy were negative.
- Dermal patch testing yielded strongly positive results, despite the absence of any skin-related symptoms.
- This discrepancy highlights potential differences in allergic responses between skin and respiratory tissues.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that positive patch tests for acrylics may indicate a risk for type IV hypersensitivity reactions in the upper respiratory tract.
- This case underscores the importance of considering delayed-type hypersensitivity (type IV) in occupational pharyngitis among dental professionals.
- Further research into respiratory patch testing or alternative diagnostic methods for occupational airway allergies is warranted.