Objective: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between swimming pool pollutants and allergic rhinitis in swimming pool workers.Materials and methods: Twenty-seven indoor pool workers (group 1) and 49 control subjects (group 2) were enrolled in the study. A skin prick test was performed and a nasal smear was obtained from each subject to evaluate rhinitis.Results: When the groups were compared in terms of epithelial cells, group 1 had significantly more epithelial cells than group 2. When the groups were compared with regard to eosinophils, group 1 had significantly more eosinophils than group 2. The skin prick test results for both groups were not significantly different.Conclusion: Indoor pool workers showed severe symptoms of rhinitis and eosinophilic nasal cytology, likely due to chlorine. Nasal cytology is an easy-to-administer diagnostic test and can be used to follow up rhinitis in indoor pool workers, along with nasal endoscopy, a detailed clinical history and a skin prick test.
IntroductionUnder optimal nasal breathing conditions, air passes over the nasal mucosa resulting in warming, humidification and cleansing. However, these conditions can be influenced by several factors. Indoor air quality may negatively affect the sinonasal mucosa and is associated with occupational and smoking irritants, which can cause chronic or allergic rhinitis. 1 To maintain proper nasal functions, the optimal indoor air temperature should be approximately 23°C with 50 per cent humidity. 2 Indoor air is often cleaned to limit the levels of pollutants by modifying temperature and humidity in houses and offices. 2 However, the improper maintenance, design and operating of air-conditioning systems in non-industrial indoor areas contributes to an increased prevalence of rhinitis. 3 In Turkey, smoking is prohibited indoors and in common social areas.Allergic rhinitis is a symptomatic disorder caused by immunoglobulin E-mediated inflammation of the nasal membranes, which is induced by exposure to an allergen or allergens. Allergic rhinitis frequently causes symptoms that include sneezing, nasal obstruction,