Ammonia exposure: a common cause for sinusitis. A case report and review of the literature

Toxicol Ind Health. 1998 Nov-Dec;14(6):891-5. doi: 10.1177/074823379801400609.

Abstract

Sinuses are a part of the upper respiratory system and sinusitis has been well-defined as an inflammation of the mucous membrane. Sinusitis occurs commonly as a result of allergies, polyps, common cold and environmental pollution. Reports of sinusitis secondary to ammonia exposure, while common clinically from a reporting point of view, have not been described extensively in the literature. We describe here a patient who was exposed to ammonia gas and developed chronic relapsing sinusitis. The mechanism of injury and review of the world literature indicate that although common clinically, chronic sinusitis as a result of ammonia exposure has not been described extensively.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / adverse effects*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Humans
  • Inhalation Exposure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Recurrence
  • Sinusitis / chemically induced*
  • Sinusitis / etiology

Substances

  • Ammonia