Environmental allergies occur all of the time and can be caused by numerous factors. But while the symptoms are certainly very hard to miss, figuring out what is triggering them can take some good detective work.
Environmental Allergies
An environmental allergy is really just an allergic reaction to something in the air or in the room. It can be anything from mold, dust, pet hair and mildew to plastic or latex items, perfumes and the chemicals used in making furniture, clothing and cleaning supplies.
Unlike seasonal allergies, which tend to act up only when pollen, grass, trees and plants are in bloom, environmental allergies can occur year round and if severe enough, they can interfere with your daily activities.
Numerous Possibilities
Some people find their environmental allergies are limited to a certain place, such as the mall, where chemically-treated clothing and chemical-based cleaning supplies are in abundance, while other people experience allergies to something specifically contained in their home or in their workplace. Finally, still others may suffer from allergy symptoms brought on by a variety of substances (like dust, mold, smoke, perfume and pet dander) that are common wherever they go, making it difficult to avoid them on a regular basis.
Figuring Out the Cause
If you think you have environmental allergies but can't quite narrow in on the cause, some doctors suggest making notes of when and where your symptoms strike so you can notice if any patterns exist. This can be particularly helpful in some of the more challenging situations. For instance, you may get an allergic reaction in your doctor's office that is sparked by latex gloves. But when you wash your dishes and also get the same rash, you may not be aware that the rubber stopper in your sink can be made from a similar rubber substance. It may take the expertise of lots of notes and the help of your doctor to connect the dots and discover the common denominator.
Get Tested
Your doctor may also suggest eliminating your exposure to possible allergens to see if this makes a difference. If your symptoms resolve with your attempt, that can be a strong indicator that you are on the right track. In some cases, however, it can be more difficult to identify the allergy trigger. If your symptoms are ongoing and you can identify the cause on your own, your doctor may suggest allergy testing to find out conclusively what items you will need to avoid. In addition, you will likely want to try some of the latest allergy medications available, since many of these can help you to effectively take control of your condition.
Sources:
http://life.familyeducation.com/slideshow/allergies/57161.html?page=7&detoured=1
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/gallery/rhinitissinusitis.asp
