Categorizing nasal septal perforations of occupational origin as cases of corrosive rhinitis

Background In clinical practice a perforation of the nasal septum secondary to an occupational exposure to corrosive chemicals is not considered a sequel of rhinitis. Methods Relevant articles published in the last 26 years were searched and retrieved from PubMed. Results Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin show a history of rhinitis with a gradual installation of symptoms and damage of the nasal mucosa progressing to ulceration and ultimately to perforation of the nasal septum. Conclusion Patients with nasal septal perforations of occupational origin exhibit the clinical and histopathological features of rhinitis whereby they should be categorized as rhinitics. This rhinitis should be considered as a type of irritant-induced occupational rhinitis and classified as corrosive rhinitis. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.