Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis caused by the common indoor plant, Hoya compacta.

BACKGROUND: Allergic reactions to the common house plant Hoya compacta (HC) have not previously been described. AIMS: To confirm HC as the cause of rhinoconjunctivitis in three horticultural workers. METHODS: Greenhouse working conditions were reproduced in our challenge chamber. RESULTS: All three cases developed rhinoconjunctivitis when working with HC plants. A control challenge was performed in two cases with iceberg lettuce causing no symptoms. Nasal volume measured by acoustic rhinometry (AR) fell after all three active challenges, but also after one of the control challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that HC may cause occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma through a Type I hypersensitivity reaction. Specific inhalation challenges, nasal nitric oxide measurement and AR may be useful additional tools in supporting such diagnoses for occupational physicians to consider.

[Life quality of patients with muscular failure, using permanent respiratory support, seen from their point of view. 2. Practical requirements and problems connected with respirator treatment]. / Tilvaerelsen for permanente respiratorbrugere med muskelsvind, set med brugerøjne. 2. Praktiske krav og problemer i forbindelse med respiratorbehandling.

Sixteen patients with neuromuscular disease receiving long-term assisted ventilation participated in a combined questionnaire/interview investigation with the purpose of illustrating their situation as regards appropriate personal attention, technical aids, knowledge of respirator-technique, illness and regular hospital examinations, multidisciplinary conferences, adapted housing and speech problems connected with tracheostomy. Generally, we conclude that these practical factors and arrangements, enabling the patient to manage everyday life, were, on the whole, satisfactorily settled. Compliance with the patient's desires to the utmost extent is recommended and achievement of the optimal solutions for him, by means of teamwork. Thus one must always bear in mind that the goal of these practical arrangements for the patient (such as personal attention, technical assistance, hospital examinations etc.) apart from optimal maintenance of daily activities should be to keep the patient independent of residential care.