RESPIRATORY ALLERGIES IN WINEGROWERS

From planting of the vine to wine-making, winegrowers are exposed to m any allergens and pollutants. Although a large number of agents are po tentially responsible for asthma or respiratory allergies, only a few documented cases of occupational asthma have been reported. Fungi, suc h as Plasmopara viticola and especially Botrytis cinerea, can induce r hinitis and asthma. Phytophage mites are another recognized cause of r espiratory allergies in winegrowers. The role of pesticides is more di fficult to demonstrate. Epidemiological studies show an addition exces s of dyspnoea or restrictive syndromes in winegrowers; several cases o f asthma induced by carbamates, synthetic pyrethrinoids and organo-pho sphorus compounds have been reported. Finally, while working in the ce llar, winegrowers are exposed to many vinification additives: So(2) an d sulphites, yeasts (Saccharomyces), biological clarifiers. Respirator y manifestations are not confined to asthma; alveolitis, acute bronchi al irritation syndromes, and fibrosis have been described in winegrowe rs. These respiratory diseases can be classified under the heading of a ''winegrower's lung''.