Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, and this reaction can result in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, a runny nose, or more severe responses. People can experience these symptoms at home and in their workplace, where allergens are often harder to control. Here are some tips for managing allergies in the workplace:
Identify Your Triggers
The first step in managing allergies effectively is to identify what causes your reactions. Allergens in the workplace may differ from those at home and can include:
- Dust mites found in carpets and fabric-covered chairs
- Mold in air vents
- Cleaning chemicals
- Construction dust during office renovations
- Fragrances from air fresheners, perfumes, or fresh flowers
- Food-based allergens in workplaces where colleagues bring snacks, heat up lunches, or organize communal events
Pay attention to the times and places where your allergy symptoms are worse. You might notice sneezing or itchy eyes after entering a storage room or sitting near the office break area. Start a simple daily diary noting when symptoms appear, which rooms you visited, and any cleaning done that day. You may also want to list any new products or materials you have come in contact with. This can help you and your healthcare provider identify links between your symptoms and specific workplace triggers.
Communicate With Your Employer
After identifying triggers, begin a conversation with your employer, supervisor, or human resources (HR) team. Clearly explain which triggers you have identified and how they impact your daily comfort or ability to focus. Sharing your symptom diary or a letter from your doctor can add credibility to your concerns.
If your triggers are linked to strong scents, request a fragrance-free policy or ask coworkers to limit the use of scented lotions and perfumes. In the case of dust, the custodial team could clean your area more often or use hypoallergenic supplies. If cleaning chemicals aggravate your symptoms, politely inquire about using safer alternatives. Physical adjustments may also be beneficial, such as relocating your workspace away from vents, copy rooms, or areas with high traffic.
Have a Medical Plan
Living with allergies means that unexpected exposures are always possible, even with prevention strategies. Being prepared with a medical plan offers guidance. Keep any prescription or over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, or eye drops, with you at the workplace. If you have a known severe allergy, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector is helpful, and some people store a backup in their desk or locker. Talk through your plan with a trusted colleague or supervisor, and let them know what symptoms to watch for in case a severe reaction occurs. Some people keep an emergency contact number or medical alert ID in a visible place. Review this plan periodically, especially if your job location or allergy management needs change.
Schedule Testing for Allergies
If you are unsure about your triggers or suspect you react to something unusual at work, professional allergy testing can offer valuable answers. An allergist may recommend skin tests, blood tests, or other examinations to identify specific allergens. Test results support a more targeted approach to selecting medications and lifestyle adjustments. Schedule an appointment with an allergist today.