Rhinitis: Fragrances And What You Can Do To Avoid Them

What Can You Do?

Since this isn't an allergic reaction, but you're just as irritated, the key is to avoid those substances that cause the irritation. But complete elimination of fragrance from our surroundings is not possible. Some experts report that people sensitive to fragrance suffer from the cumulative effect of multiple irritant triggers. This means reduction in exposure to these triggers may have considerable benefit.

Here are five ways to reduce your level of exposure to fragrances at home:

1. Immediately reduce or eliminate all personal hygiene products that contain fragrance or fumes. This will be a challenge because most soaps, antiperspirants, and lotions have fragrance, but fragrance-free products have become easier to find over the past decade because of the increased demand.

2. Replace all laundry detergents, softeners and anti-static sheets with fragrance-free products.

3. Avoid using any household cleaning products that have fragrance added. Fumes associated with some cleaning solutions are unavoidable. Ventilate areas that have been recently cleaned by briefly opening the windows (if weather permits). Try to use smaller than recommended amounts of the cleaning agents.

4. Do not use aerosol deodorizers or other types of fragrances in your home. An open box of baking soda absorbs unwanted odors very well.

5. HEPA based air cleaners that contain charcoal filters effectively reduce fragrances and odors.

Work related exposure is often more difficult to address. Here are four ways to reduce your level of exposure to fragrances at work:

1. Ask coworkers to limit their use of perfumes and colognes. Explain how exposure to fragrances affects your health. Provide them with literature or other sources of information.

2. If permissible move your desk away from a high traffic area.

3. Consider getting an air cleaner if you work in an isolated room.

4. Attempt to get janitorial or housekeeping service to use fragrance-free cleaning products. This may require input from your boss or supervisor.

Talk to your allergist about medications that may be helpful. I often recommend nasal saline rinses in addition to medication.

Have you ever found yourself gasping for air after a whiff of someone's cologne?

What did you do?