Can someone with an allergy continue to work in their profession?
June 20, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Lucas Weise
Dear Doctor,
My name is Gerald Raab and I have been working as a carpenter in a furniture store for many years. However, in the past few months, I have been experiencing increased health problems which I attribute to an allergy. Whenever I come into contact with carpenter wood, I feel a strong itching in my eyes, have sneezing fits, and my skin reacts with redness and rashes.
These symptoms not only affect me physically, but also impact my work performance and daily life. I am worried about whether I can continue working as a carpenter with this allergy, or if I will be forced to quit my job.
I would like to know if there are ways for me to continue working in my profession despite my allergy. Are there specific protective measures I can take to alleviate my symptoms? Or are there alternative work areas where my body does not react as strongly to carpenter wood?
I am desperate and hope that you can help me find a solution to this problem. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Gerald Raab
Dear Gerald Raab,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an occupational physician. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing health problems related to your work as a carpenter. Allergies can indeed be very burdensome, especially when they affect your work performance.
The symptoms you described, such as itching eyes, sneezing fits, and skin reactions, could indeed indicate an allergy to carpenter wood. In your case, it is important that you first undergo an allergy test to identify the exact cause of your symptoms. After a precise diagnosis, targeted measures can be taken to relieve your symptoms and enable you to continue working as a carpenter.
There are various ways to deal with a wood allergy. Firstly, special protective measures in the workplace can help reduce contact with allergenic substances. This includes wearing goggles, gloves, and a respiratory mask to minimize direct contact with carpenter wood. Additionally, regular cleaning measures at the workplace and good ventilation can help reduce the concentration of allergenic particles in the air.
It may also be helpful to use alternative materials that are better tolerated by you. For example, there are specific types of wood that contain fewer allergenic substances and may be better suited for you. It would be advisable to discuss with your employer about possible alternative work areas where you have less contact with carpenter wood and can therefore reduce your symptoms.
Furthermore, considering allergen-specific immunotherapy may help reduce your allergy symptoms in the long term. This therapy aims to desensitize your immune system to the allergic wood and reduce your body's response to it.
It is important that you consult with an occupational physician or allergist to receive individualized advice and treatment tailored to your specific situation. Please do not hesitate to seek professional help to protect your health and well-being.
I wish you all the best and hope that you find a solution that allows you to continue practicing your profession.
Best regards,
Lucas Weise, Occupational Physician
