In recent years the number of consumer products containing fragrances has skyrocketed. Thousands of fragrances have invaded our air space and become a part of our daily routine. But some people with respiratory problems might say that their homes and ...
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Irritants
Dustin Douglas
Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 08:51 PM -
Untitled Comment
curiousreader
Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:29 PMThanks for another interesting article. However while reading it I was reminded of how a while ago a friend mentioned receiving patch testing as a way of telling whether you are actually allergic or not. Is this correct or is there another method that is more effective?
replyre: Untitled Comment
James Thompson, MD
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 12:07 AMHi Curiousreader,
I appreciate your comments and question. Patch testing is a way of identifying substances that may cause contact dermatitis (also referred to as contact allergy). The term "contact allergy" is a misnomer because the mechanism of the reaction does not involve IgE antibody.
Some fragrances may cause contact dermatitis which is an inflammatory reaction in the skin, often delayed by several hours to days after the skin exposure. Patch testing is available for a small number of fragrances. Positive test results confirm hypersensitivity of the skin to direct contact.
Patch testing will not predict whether an irritant respiratory reaction will follow the inhalation of a fragrance. Patch test negative patients may have severe breathing problems after inhaling a small amount of fragrance.
Thanks Again
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Headaches
Dapeet
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 12:39 AMHow do you tell the difference between migraine headaches and sinus headaches? I think I have both. Fragrances bother my sinuses and cause my migranes.
replyre: Headaches
James Thompson, MD
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 02:24 PMHi Dapeet,
Thank you for your question and comments. Migraine headaches may be triggered by a number of factors which include fragrances, strong odors and fumes. Certain foods and food additives, stress, hormonal drugs, oral decongestants and menstruation may also trigger migraines.
It may be difficult to distinguish sinus headache from migraine. Migraine head pain is more often located on one side of the head vs both sides or all over. Classically the migraine pain is over one eye but many migraine sufferers have different types of headaches. Headaches that are throbbing, very severe, disabling, associated with nausea or light sensitivity suggests migraine.
Sinus headaches are often located over the sinuses (above or below the eyes or over the bridge of the nose). They are not usually throbbing. Sinus headaches typically feel like a constant pressure in the face. The sinus pain may be worsened by bending over.
Yes, you may have both migraine and sinus headaches. Ouch! Both problems should be treated by your doctor.
The steps in my Sharepost on how to avoid fragrance may be helpful in preventing some of your headaches.
Good Luck!
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Thank you Dr. Thompson for the informative article, especially the different ways to reduce irritants. There is someone in my life who has asthma, and I have a feeling that if I tried some of your examples I may be able to make them more comfortable!
Good Stuff!
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