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Composed by Anuchit Thepsee JIU Wellness Co., Ltd
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Have you ever experienced this? As soon as you get to the office, you start sneezing uncontrollably, have a stuffy nose, red eyes, or itchy skin, but as soon as you get home from work, all the symptoms disappear!
If you have these symptoms, you’re not imagining it. These are signs of “office allergies,” or part of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which results from a work environment that is unfriendly to your respiratory system and body.
Why does the office make us get allergy?
The root cause isn’t always stress, but rather environmental factors:
- Air conditioning systems: Uncleaned air conditioners are breeding grounds for mold and bacteria, and poor air circulation permeates the room with allergens.
- Invisible dust: Dust mites from thick carpets, dust-accumulated curtains, or even old documents on desks.
- Environmental chemicals: Ink fumes from photocopiers, volatile organic compounds from paint, or floor cleaners.
- Humidity: Excessive humidity in an office becomes a breeding ground for mold, a major allergen trigger.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually improve or disappear when leaving the office or during holidays, and the prominent symptoms are as follows:
- Respiratory system: Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, or chronic cough.
- Eyes: Itchy eyes, burning eyes, red eyes, or frequent watery eyes.
- Skin: Itchy rash, dry skin, or irritation.
- General symptoms: Headache, fatigue, excessive drowsiness, or difficulty concentrating.
Causes and triggering factors
- Air and Ventilation: Unclean air conditioning systems, mold or dust accumulation, or poor ventilation.
- Office Allergens: Dust mites from carpets and curtains, ink aerosols from photocopiers, paint or chemical fumes from new furniture.
- Personal Factors: Individuals with pre-existing allergic rhinitis or asthma are more sensitive to triggers.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention:
- Clean your desk and air conditioner regularly.
- Place your printer or photocopier in a well-ventilated area.
- Add some greenery with air-purifying plants (if allowed).
- Take breaks and get up to get some fresh air periodically.
Treatment:
- Medication: Consult a pharmacist about using non-drowsy antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce inflammation.
- Eliminating the cause: If you know you are allergic to something (e.g., carpet dust), avoid it or clean that area thoroughly.
How to take care of yourself fundamentally from Office Allergies
- Keep it Clean: Keep your desk clutter-free, reduce the accumulation of toys or stacks of paper, and wipe it down regularly with a damp cloth.
- Air Purifier: If possible, keep an air purifier with a HEPA filter nearby.
- Take a Break: Get some fresh air outdoors every 2-3 hours.
- Consult Experts: If symptoms start to interfere with your concentration, consulting a pharmacist for a non-drowsy allergy medication is a quick solution. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should see an allergy specialist to determine the underlying cause.
When should you see a doctor or consult a pharmacist?
Consult a pharmacist
- When you experience mild nasal congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes, ask for advice on using over-the-counter medications.
See a doctor
- If symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, or an asthma attack.
- If symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect your work or sleep.
- If you need allergy testing (Skin Prick Test or blood test) to determine the exact allergens for targeted treatment.
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