How to Overcome Sensitivity to Fragrances

Some people are simply more sensitive to fragrances than others. Fragrance sensitivity can be a problem especially for people who spend long hours in an office where they cannot control the environment. Products that can cause problems are perfumes and colognes, shampoos and hairsprays, potpourri and cleaning supplies. Common symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include headaches, hives, nausea and tightening of the throat. Fragrance sensitivity can be either a simple irritation that can cause headaches or an allergic reaction that can cause hives or tightening of the throat. Allergic reactions are easier to treat than irritations, which in most cases can only be avoided rather than overcome.

Things You'll Need

• HEPA filter
• Antihistamine
• Allergy shots

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid the offending fragrance. This is easy if you are at home and can control which fragrances you use. If you are at work and you have discovered which fragrance offends you discuss the matter with your human resources representative. Many companies offer policies that allow you to control the office fragrances if you display a physical reaction to them. Avoiding a fragrance is the best way to overcome sensitivity and is one of the only courses of action if you experience simple irritation.

• 2

  Open your doors and windows. Often your sensitivity is caused by the strength of the fragrance. Inviting a cross breeze into the room will help overcome your symptoms. This is effective especially if you experience simple irritation.

• 3

  Use high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Often fragrances are transported in your home or office through the air conditioning. HEPA filters significantly remove the number of allergens in the air.

• 4

  Take an antihistamine if your sensitivity is causing hives, a runny nose or itchy eyes. The drug will block the allergic reaction. Consult an allergist to determine the correct dosage or purchase an over-the-counter antihistamine.

• 5

  Take allergy shots if your sensitivity is causing an allergic reaction. The best way to overcome fragrance sensitivity is to avoid it. If this is not possible and you are displaying allergic symptoms you can take allergy shots, or immunotherapy that will help alleviate your symptoms. These shots increase your tolerance to the fragrance by administering a small but increasing amounts of the fragrance.