What would this health issue be called?

Parent Cafe
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<p>For a long time now, i’ve had issues with chemicals/perfumes/cleaners/anything that makes a smell that isn’t natural.</p>

<p>Back when i was younger, i would get a small scratchy throat from it, so i would take an allergy pill and it would go away. Nothing more was thought about it.</p>

<p>Here recently (within the past year), it has gotten to the point where i cannot go into a Bedbath&beyond, home depot (or lowes), or a chemical section of a store.</p>

<p>I get bad headaches, really bad scratchy throat (sometimes feels tight), stomach issues, sometimes some dizzyness as well.</p>

<p>So in order to avoid this i do not use perfume, fabric softener, chemicals (i normally hold my breath and run out of the room with a fan blasting), hair spray, etc. I normally have to ask my mother not to spray perfume if i’m in the area as well. :<</p>

<p>Allergy pills used to help, but i’ve noticed that they no longer do so (this was when i was taking them regularly).</p>

<p>Here is an interesting tidbit of information, it seems to run in the family. My mother has it very midly and my grandmother will break out in hives if she sets foot in a homedepot (has happened before, this one i’ve seen).</p>

<p>Frankly, the fact that this has gotten worse scares me.</p>

<p>The reason i have brought this up is because i’m trying to get housing on campus for the fall semester. I have talked with disability and they have said that i need to get a doctors note with my issues on it to be able to have their assistance in getting a single apartment (i have others besides this). I have no problem doing this.</p>

<p>Roommates would be a bad idea due to perfumes, chemicals, whatnot. :<</p>

<p>I’m quite curious what you would call this issue though. Is it an allergy? Intolerence?</p>

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<p>I dunno can you google it? web md? do you need an epi pen?</p>

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<p>I’ve seriously been considering getting one for a just in case reason, as it could not hurt to have one on hand.</p>

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<p>It seems like it’s called multiple chemical sensitivity or something like that. You should see your family doc, sounds like an allergy that is getting worse.</p>

<p>I am sensitive to lots of perfumes (get terrible headaches/sneeze) and can’t be within a five mile radius of yankee candle or other super-smelly shops. For me eliminating scented products from my life has seemed to take care of most problems, but yours sounds worse. Good luck. Definitely see if you can get a single room if need be.</p>

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<p>Not to worry you or minimize your trouble (not at all!), but wanted to add that stress can make things like this worse. And what’s more stressful than getting ready to go away to college? Stress puts your body in a ‘red alert’ state and irritants are reacted to even more strongly. You are more vulnerable to all kinds of illness when stresssed.My own issues were worse when I was under a lot of pressure. The other thing I have done is make sure to exercise DAILY (it really cuts the stress hormones down) and eat well, that & avoidance I think has helped reduce some of my reactive issues.</p>

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<p>Its funny, it did not start getting bad until my dorm room flooded last febuary and all that mess :/</p>

<p>I have no doubt that stress makes it worse, it seems to do that with any condition.</p>

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<p>I would agree that it sounds like you have multiple chemical sensitivity. I would suggest you see an allergist for a note and a pair of epi-pens. The pens are only supposed to be good for 15-20 minutes apiece, so you can get to an ER or ambulance; with traffic as it is many places, two pens would be needed to actually to get medical help.</p>

<p>The mold (even if you didn’t see any) from your drom flooding may have worsened things. Perhaps yoga/meditation might help to somewhat reduce your stress level and PERHAPS lessen your symptoms? Could be worth a try. Has helped me–am not longer as sensitive to so many things as I used to be.</p>

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<p>I’ll give it a try, it can’t hurt at this point :)</p>

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<p>Oh wow, i just looked multiple chemical sensitivity up O.O</p>

<p>The majority on this list i know i react to:</p>

<p>Gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuel
Petroleum-based products, including petroleum jelly, tar, or asphalt
Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals
Industrial cleaning chemicals, such as dry cleaning fluid
Formaldehyde
Glues, varnishes, polishes, paints, solvents, paint thinners, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Bleach, fabric softeners, wool-wash, and laundry detergents
Perfumes, lotion, aftershave lotion, nail polish, or skin care products
Air fresheners, deodorizers and scented candles
Shampoos, hairsprays and hair care products
Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent
Marking pens, such as highlighters</p>

<p>I’ll defenently bring this up with my doctor.</p>

<p>I also believe that my stress peaks around the same time that i run into these things, but that part isn’t as bad as it was before since i went gluten free.</p>

<p>On another note, i’m so happy i finally found a cleaner i can use that is all natural that isn’t viniger :)</p>

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<p>Remember, reactions are a matter of degree. For me & many, the more other stress you are under (whether due to hormones, tests, work, school), the more reactive, in general bodies are as well.</p>

<p>Talk with your doc about your concerns. Many people have some success with natural food stores in looking for cleaners & other materials that may not set off their allergies.</p>

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<p>I fully intend to :)</p>

<p>Like i said, i do agree stress can play a major roll.</p>

<p>Its just kinda scary, ya know? Seeing a family member have major issues with something and either knowing what the cause is or not knowing (which is worse). One time when it got really bad, grandma had to be admited to the mayo clinic where they practically mummified her to get it to stop (gauze and this tar like stuff). And then seeing my mom nearly die from a reaction (3 days ICU) is enough to make me be careful.</p>

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<p>National Jewish Health in Denver, CO deals with a lot of folks who have allergies. You might want to see if they could provide you with an evaluation (check with insurer to see about coverage) OR perhaps they could work with your current docs to help provide you with better medical care.</p>

<p>Lung Line®: Ask an Expert</p>

<p>1-877-CALL NJH (877-225-5654)
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm MST (10:00 am to 6:30 pm EST)
If you seek disease information or if you are interested in becoming a patient at National Jewish Health, contact a Lung Line nurse today by calling 1-877-225-5654 or emailing <a href="mailto:lungline@njhealth.org">lungline@njhealth.org</a>.</p>

<p>Saw LOTS of gauzed-wrapped sensitive kids when we were there getting our kids evaluated. We were fortunate that our BCBS covered the kids to be evaluated there, as well as H & myself.</p>

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<p>:O</p>

<p>I did not know that.</p>

<p>I’ve been to an allergist before (and have mentioned this before) but he did not comment on it.</p>

<p>I have to go to my doc to get a refferal first anyway :)</p>

<p>I’ve been to Jewish before, that is where my GI doctor works. I normally go to University because it is closer.</p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

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<p>Have been to NJ 5 times & received excellent care there. They are cutting edge for allergies & respiratory/lung issues. Great folks there & covered by many insurers.</p>

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<p>I agree, they are good. I had most of my exams/testing done there when i was going through the process of finding out what was wrong with me (before we found out my gallbladder was all but dead, working at 5% (surgeon said it looked it)).</p>

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<p>^^^^^ice dragon, I walked into building the other day which had a strong chemical smell, and it got to me (and I’m not that sensitive), so I can only imagine what you go through. Hope you get some help, and sorry to hear about this. In a world of chemicals, it would be a challenge to be in your shoes.</p>