See All
Preferences
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests

I have asthma and have developed an extreme reaction to any and all synthetic fragrances. I already take inhaled steroids, inhalers, and daily oral anti-histamines. If I get around synthetic (not organic) fragrances I start feeling a clogging in my throat. This is followed by tightness and sometimes spasms in the throat, shortness of breath, wheezing and turning blue around my mouth and fingernails. I feel like I'm choking and have had to use both epi-pen and rescue inhaler to reverse this. Treatment now for me is avoidance of public places. The only solution an immunologist and pulmonologist had was to limit my time in public and only go out with carbon filter mask and oxygen in tow for hypoxia. I still have some trouble because the mask does not filter 100%. I have also tried a chemical respirator. My life has become very isolated. Does anyone know of any treatment to de-sensitize a severe fragrance allergic/asthmatic reaction so that I can have a normal life again? Anyone???View Thread


I am interested in the fragrance oil. What is it and how does it work? Did see a vocal specialist becuase I'm a singer but the throat tightening is like an anaphylaxis. I lose my voice every time I have an asthma attack and fragrance triggered attacks don't seem to be any different. This is actually quite common in asthmatics. I'll do some research into AERD and see what I come up with.
Katy:
I have a background in nursing and worked in various fields for 13 years. When I got so bad I went back to teaching music. I have a fragrance free music studio where I teach voice and piano. It's been good. I don't have to work but if I did I'd have to do phone nursing on answering lines or something like that. For now, I still have such a trouble with fragrances that I cannot be in a public situation. The reaction was so bad last summer that none of my doctors would even allow me to spray some perfume so they could document results. But, being an RN and having worked with them before they trust me.
The problem with the fragrance "allergy" or sensitivity is the more you get exposed, the more likely the sensitivity will worsen. However, there are several employers willing to institute fragrance free policies. Check out Web MD's main home page with their article on fragrances. They have listed a couple law suits where employees were able to force employers to institute fragrance free policies. Good luck. I will also check out your other comments.
Flowersnsun.View Thread

God bless,
FlowersnsunView Thread



Women's Health Newsletter
Find out what women really need.
Other Allergies Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

