My T-cell Allergy Symptoms

My T-cell Dust Allergy Symptoms
September 19, 2008

Since the immune system is not fully understood and non-IgE allergies are usually not addressed by mainstream physicians, I think it might help if I describe the symptoms I get from my T-cell allergy to dust. Maybe it will be of interest to researchers or others with similar symptoms. If not no harm done, I hope. :-)

Yesterday there were workmen at my day job who were replacing the kitchen floor. My boss was hoping we would be able to work, so my colleague and I came in at our usual time. I had a project I could work on at home, but I had a couple of things I wanted to get done before I left for the day.

While I was working the workmen began tearing up the floor in the room next to my desk. They had covered the doorway with plastic, but I smelled dust anyway and put on a mask. I continued to work for a little more than an hour before I left, and I probably inhaled some of the dust in spite of the mask. I didn’t get any severe symptoms, but for the rest of the day I had a mild stomach ache, and I also ate twice as much for lunch as usual. I’ve noticed this effect before from my inhalant allergies, especially dust. When a person inhales, some of the air goes into her stomach, and inhaled allergens can cause discomfort and spasms. At least, they do for me.

Last night I fell asleep on the couch. Unfortunately it had been too long since I washed the couch cover and pillow case, and they were quite dusty. Today I woke up with sinus pain and pressure, a somewhat worse stomach ache, and fatigue. These symptoms are a little better in the afternoon after two doses of sudafed and tylenol, but they won’t completely go away until later this evening. I wish I could go back to bed. :p