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Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis caused by the common indoor plant, Hoya compacta.
D Sherson1,2, A D Nielsen1, C G Mortz3
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|September 14, 2017
Summary
Hoya compacta (HC) exposure can cause occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in horticultural workers. This study confirms HC as the allergen, highlighting the need for awareness and diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Allergic reactions to Hoya compacta (HC), a common house plant, are not previously documented.
- Horticultural workers are frequently exposed to various plant allergens.
Observation:
- Three horticultural workers presented with symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Symptoms developed upon exposure to HC plants in a controlled challenge chamber environment.
Findings:
- All three subjects experienced rhinoconjunctivitis when working with HC.
- Acoustic rhinometry (AR) showed a decrease in nasal volume after HC exposure.
- Control challenges with iceberg lettuce did not induce similar symptoms.
Implications:
- Hoya compacta is confirmed as a cause of occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma via Type I hypersensitivity.
- Specific inhalation challenges, nasal nitric oxide measurement, and AR can aid in diagnosing HC-induced occupational allergies.
- Occupational physicians should consider HC in the differential diagnosis for allergic respiratory symptoms in exposed workers.
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