Asthma and rhinitis due to ethylcyanoacrylate instant glue

Abstract

A 32-year-old man developed asthma due to a cyanoacrylate ester instant glue used in building remote control model airplanes. Typical asthma and rhinitis symptoms developed after 1 year using the adhesive. Delayed onset of symptoms was consistently related to the application of the glue to balsa wood. Bronchial provocation to the glue vapors in a manner simulating his home exposure resulted in a late asthmatic response with rhinorrhea and lacrimation. Increased bronchial hyperreactivity to methacholine occurred after bronchial challenge and persisted for several weeks. Complete resolution of the patient's asthma symptoms occurred with avoidance of the glue. Reversion to a negative methacholine challenge test occurred after 6 months of continued avoidance.