ABSTRACT
The nasal mucosa is the first line of defense that protects the lower airways from potentially harmful effects from the inhaled air, such as chemicals and particles. The activation of defensive nasal reflexes can cause nasal blockage, secretion, itching, and sneezing. Up to 40% of the population experience symptoms of this kind every day as an effect of the changes in the air surrounding us (1,2). The occupational environment constitutes a special challenge to the nasal defense, with exposures to dusts and chemicals in a prolonged and repetitive way. This can result in the development of occupational rhinitis.
