Could I be allergic to "artificial" air? Eg. Heaters, ACs? - Allergies Message Board

JasonQ510 · 09-21-2002, 02:27 PM

I can't be in a room with the heater on. My face gets red, ears red, throat hurts, headache, dry mouth, red eyes. AC I can tolerate longer but still same effects. I always have my windows open and never turn the heater on. But when I'm not home, this causes problems. Could I be allergic to this?

purple2067 · 09-22-2002, 12:13 AM

I don't think that you can actually be allergic to artificial air such as A/C, heating, etc... But you may be allergic to something that could be coming out of your ventilation ducts. Do you smell anything funny when you turn on your heater or your A/C (it is central air and heating, right? not just a portable heater or a/c?). You could have a mold problem in your house that is making you sick when you turn on the ventilation system. I would look into that if I were you. You can do a search for it on the web. There are several companies out there that can come in and test your house and clean it completely, getting rid of all the mold. It might be worth a try. (although it is very expensive) There are also some do it yourself mold test kits that you can order on line (not sure if they are sold in stores) that are cheaper. Good luck,

Elyse

Kokopelli · 09-22-2002, 01:20 AM

Hi Jason,

I agree with purple.. and my mom was the same way you are and it sounds like you have the same symptoms as her too when she would have an allergic reaction. Are you allergic to other things as well?

koko

purple2067 · 09-22-2002, 09:57 AM

One more thing, you don't have to be allergic to something to get sick from it. It could just be the force of the air that is making you sick. What I mean by that is this: I am not allergic to air conditioning, but I get dry eyes whenever it is on. I am not allergic to heating, but I also get dry eyes when that is on. It's just because there is more air in the room than I am used to, and it is coming right at me! Do you get the same way when there is a floor fan or ceiling fan that is running? What about when it is windy outside? Try using a warm mist humidifier with a hepa filter to combat some of the dryness and other symptoms. Bionaire is one of the best you can get, and it is not very expensive. It is manufactured by the Holmes Group. It does not create mold or dust like other humidifiers. They have a website you can find by doing a simple search online for "Bionaire". Good luck, hope I have been of some help.

[This message has been edited by purple2067 (edited 09-22-2002).]

purple2067 · 09-22-2002, 07:34 PM

nevermind, DON'T get a Bionaire, get a Slant/fin humidifier.