chemical sensitivity/allergies

Lonna

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 77

Posted 11/3/2006 6:44 AM (GMT -8)

I have had allergies and sinus problems for 20 years. I also have lupus which probably complicates this. When I'm in a carpet store or around any adhesive for tile, carpet, bathroom grout, strong cleaning products like tilex, perfume, scented candals, tar, oil and many other things I get a migraine, sometimes after only 1 breath of this stuff. My sinuses go wild, stuffing up, runny nose, cough, sneezing, itching around my lips and in my throat...continually for hours. I'm on some med. for allergies but not an oral antihistimine at this time. Prednisone, above 12 mg. calms this down but I am trying to reduce the amount I use and am now on a strong immune suppresent which is really helping my lupus but does nothing for my allergies. When I'm having an attack my life is miserable and I can't function much. It happened twice this week and I am really sick when this happens. I just got off 10 days of augmenten for sinus infection and I don't think I have one now.

Does ANYONE have any experience with this, any solutions? When on an oral antihistimine it had little effect but I'd go on one again if I could with all my meds. Is there any point in getting tested for chemicals? I've been to doctors, both ENT and allergy, have had catscan, scope in nose, skin testing was positive for 2 house dust mites, 3 molds and 3 pollans. Never been tested for food allergies...Mayo clinic doesn't do this. ANY help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Lonna

Red_34

Elite Member

Joined : Apr 2004

Posts : 23581

Posted 11/3/2006 7:12 AM (GMT -8)

Hi Lonna, I have allergies like yours but not to the extent that yours have gone. Certain chemicals bother my eyes and sinuses pretty bad as well as some perfumes or candles. Usually for me though, as soon as I'm out of the area, things improve. I'm not that familiar with Lupus but I'm assuming that you have flare ups just like any of the other illnesses where your symptoms are more pronounced at certain times? If so, do you notice that these allergies are worse during these times? I don't have much advice then to talk to your doctor about this complication. I'm sorry I couldn't be much more help :(

Chartreux

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2006

Posts : 9664

Posted 11/3/2006 7:21 AM (GMT -8)

So Sorry you've had so much trouble with doctors. Keep trying to get a good allergy doctor.
I'm one of a very few people allergic to photograhy chemicals used in developing pictures. you are not alone.
My allergy doctor helps me pretty good I'm on Astelin and Clarinex for my allergies, ask your doctor about these medications.
Also there are really good Saline Nasal Sprays out there you could try , this also helps me.
I wish you good luck with your fight against lupus.
(((Hugs)))
God Bless

Mooney123

Regular Member

Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 240

Posted 11/3/2006 9:35 PM (GMT -8)

Yes. I have them as severe, if not more than you do. I react several times a day. My family and b/f have to use perfumeless detergents, no bleach, no strong soaps, etc. I have been diagnosed with multiple food and other allergies with skin prick and rast tests.

I have trouble around dust, sprays, smog, gas, or anything that is not crisp, clean air. No cigarette smoke. If there is a fire nearby, I have to put a handkerchief up to my nose and breathe. Fabric softeners seem to be the worst for me. I can smell it from far away. I now have trouble breathing humid air or fog.

I guess you can't be allergy-tested for chemicals. I don't know why this happened to me...i suffer from panic disorder for the last 13 years. i also have gerd. I'm 33 years old. although I don't believe i have lupus, I think something else underlying is causing all of this.

My symptoms are severe shortness of breath, like i'm suffocating. This is without wheezing. Also, trouble swallowing, bloating, dry mouth and eyes, nasal congestion (Post nasal drip), and tonsil stones (yuck!). These miserable symptoms have been there for about 6 years.

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