Managing Allergies at Work | Stopping the Sniffles

Managing Allergies at Work | Stopping the Sniffles

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If you work in a healthcare setting, it’s no surprise that you might find yourself with a runny nose, itchy throat, or dry eyes. However, the culprit won’t always be an illness that’s been transferred from one of your patients. In fact, with Spring approaching, it’s most likely something completely different. Allergy season is rapidly approaching, which means that you might find yourself managing allergies at work. It’s estimated that missed work and reduced productivity due to allergies cost U.S. companies more than $250 million a year, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). Below we’ll take a look at some tips for managing allergies at work as well as some allergens that might be the cause of those irritating symptoms.

Managing Allergies at Work

Identify the Source of the Issue

The first thing you should do when managing allergies at work is to discover what you’re allergic to. While it sounds simple enough, some allergies can be tougher to identify than others. It may be easy to tell if you’re allergic to a specific food, allergies to dust particles, pollen, and other tiny irritants might be tougher to identify. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can require employers to make reasonable changes in the workplace to accommodate a worker’s allergies. Allergies, which developed at work often, fall under workers’ compensation laws. Let’s take a look at some of the most common workplace allergens that you might come across.

managing allergies at work

Dust Mites – One of the most common allergens in homes, dust mites are often passively carried from home to the workplace. These little mites can quickly become irritating and can leave you itchy and runny for the day. If you have carpets or upholstered furniture, make sure they’re cleaned on a regular basis.

Pollen – Another major work allergen is pollen. This can be brought in on clothes or simply through ventilation systems. Make sure ventilation systems and heating and AC units are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.

Animals – Although it’s often nice to have some furry friends around, they could be the cause of your allergies. Pet-friendly facilities should make sure that none of their employees are allergic. If they want to keep some companions around, make sure they are hypoallergenic.

Allergy Medications

There are numerous over-the-counter medications that can be used for managing allergies at work. Nasal steroids are one type of medication that can help combat allergy symptoms. These allergy medications reduce nasal inflammation and mucus production and can improve sleep and result in improved alertness during the day. Antihistamines are also a great way to reduce the effects of allergies. However, they can often make you awfully sleepy and can torpedo your workday. Make sure to do your research and try to find medications that won’t inhibit your ability to work efficiently.

Look Into Allergy Testing

When it comes to managing allergies at work, it’s a good idea to have a professional provide a proper diagnosis. Allergy shots, also called immunotherapy, may be appropriate for those dealing with severe allergies. These shots can actually help to reduce allergy symptoms and limit the need for allergy medications. These shots will give you the allergen in increased dosages until your body is able to build up immunity to it. While it can certainly be uncomfortable at first, the long-term outcome is one of the best ways for managing allergies at work.

Managing allergies at work can be difficult, but it’s important that you’re able to take control of them. There are numerous ways to combat these irritants, so make sure to do your research. You might spend your career helping the health of others, but it’s also important to think about your own health. If you’ve got other tips for managing allergies at work, feel free to comment them below! If you’re looking for a stellar health career, feel free to check out the thousands of jobs we have to offer.

Author: Locum Jobs Online

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