Occupational acute anaphylactic reaction to assault by perfume spray in the face

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The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice, Vol 14, Issue 2 137-140,

2001 by American Board of Family Practice

 

Occupational acute anaphylactic reaction to assault by perfume spray in the face

J. E. Lessenger

 

BACKGROUND:

Perfumes have been associated with rashes in employees exposedto scented soaps

or with allergic conditions, such as rhinitis or asthma,in employees exposed to

perfumes or fragrances in the air.

 

METHODS:

Reported here is a case of an anaphylactic reaction and respiratorydistress as a

result of a deliberate assault with a perfume spray. Themedical literature was

searched using the key words ** fragrances,****respiratory distress,**

**assault,** and **health care workers.**

 

RESULTS:

Afemale medical assistant with no history of asthma or reactions tofragrances

was assaulted by a patient, who pumped three sprays of a perfumeinto her face.

The employee experienced an acute anaphylactic reaction withshortness of breath,

a suffocating sensation, wheezes, and generalizedurticaria, and required

aggressive medical treatment, a long period of oralbronchodilator therapy, and,

finally, weaning from the medications.

 

CONCLUSIONS:

Perfumes are complex mixtures of more than 4,000 vegetable andanimal extracts

and organic and nonorganic compounds. Fragrances have beenfound to cause

exacerbations of symptoms and airway obstruction inasthmatic patients, including

chest tightening and wheezing, and are acommon cause of cosmetic allergic

contact dermatitis. In many work settingsthe use of fragrances is limited.

Assault is becoming more common amongworkers in the health care setting. Workers

should be prepared to takeimmediate steps should an employee go into

anaphylactic shock.