carsickatwork
07-06-2009, 03:59 AM
Hello, I started a temp job in a new-ish office 3 weeks ago. My second day about 3 hours into the day I was overwhelmed by a feeling of motion sickness. It lasted into the night- even when I got home. I have had it EVERYDAY since.. but I dont have it on the weekends at home. Could I be allergic to something in the office? What could I be allergic to?! My symptoms are nausea, headache and a "weak" feeling in my arms and legs and some heart palpitations.. it basically feels just like when Im car sick! I am not pregnant, nor have had any colds or sinus probs?
Its extremely annoying more than anything- but I would love to know if its even possible that this is an allergic type of reaction?
Its extremely annoying more than anything- but I would love to know if its even possible that this is an allergic type of reaction?
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Machaon
07-06-2009, 06:06 AM
Sounds like a environmental or chemical sensitivity. There are many chemicals that can cause all kinds of nasty health reactions. One of the major nasty chemicals is formaldehyde, which is not only present in a lot of building materials, but also in clothing and a lot of other consumer goods.
The source of your irritation could also be someone's cologne or perfume, or the cleaning products, or pesticides used in the office.. Any strong or unusual odors at your work?
The reaction is similar to an allergic reaction.
When the body comes into contact with the chemical(s), or the fumes, either through the skin, or through breathing, the body produces protective hormones as a defense. These protective hormones can make you feel sick, which can last for many hours until the hormones are reabsorbed, or expelled, from the body.
Sometimes, wearing a mask at work, if possible, can help, but in a lot of cases isn't effective enough, because your skin can also absorb these harmful fumes.
Too much contact with these offending chemicals can worsen one's chemical sensitivities and make future reactions much worse.
The source of your irritation could also be someone's cologne or perfume, or the cleaning products, or pesticides used in the office.. Any strong or unusual odors at your work?
The reaction is similar to an allergic reaction.
When the body comes into contact with the chemical(s), or the fumes, either through the skin, or through breathing, the body produces protective hormones as a defense. These protective hormones can make you feel sick, which can last for many hours until the hormones are reabsorbed, or expelled, from the body.
Sometimes, wearing a mask at work, if possible, can help, but in a lot of cases isn't effective enough, because your skin can also absorb these harmful fumes.
Too much contact with these offending chemicals can worsen one's chemical sensitivities and make future reactions much worse.
carsickatwork
07-07-2009, 05:43 AM
THANK YOU SO MUCH! It has been driving me crazy-
Funnily enough I am very sensitive to smells- but cant smell anything in the office. I am thinking it could be cleaning chemicals from the commercial cleaners-they come in Wednesdays and Sundays. I noticed my car sickness was much worse Monday, less severe Today- Tuesday... I will see if it is more intense on Thurs- day after cleaning.
It is extremely unpleasant and annoying. I feel midly "poisoned" which lessens until it is gone in the morning.
Thanks for your reply- it is just good knowing it could be an allergic reaction. I appreciate the time you took to respond.
Funnily enough I am very sensitive to smells- but cant smell anything in the office. I am thinking it could be cleaning chemicals from the commercial cleaners-they come in Wednesdays and Sundays. I noticed my car sickness was much worse Monday, less severe Today- Tuesday... I will see if it is more intense on Thurs- day after cleaning.
It is extremely unpleasant and annoying. I feel midly "poisoned" which lessens until it is gone in the morning.
Thanks for your reply- it is just good knowing it could be an allergic reaction. I appreciate the time you took to respond.