“Potential effects of unknowingly long term contact with allergen?”
I've had an issue over the last couple of years that I describe as feeling like I'm being choked from the inside. It comes and it goes, the severity ranges from barely noticeable to annoying to being concerned. I often get a feeling of lightheadedness with it and sometimes headaches. I've been to my doctor about it and had some GI tests done to see if there was a blockage (there was none). The doctor has felt some swelling, but it's not consistent either.
Recently I'd purchased some pants that were made of 100% polyester that I was wearing at work. My legs ended up getting itchy and red, with some scaling. It was really noticed around my knee that I wore a knee brace over the pants. I believe I may have developed an allergy to polyester. I've been trying to see about getting an allergy test to confirm this but when I ask my GP's office, they never get back to me. I've been told by the allergist's office I contacted that they don't actually do the testing and that I would need to see a dermatologist for the test. The only decently rated local dermatologist in the system doesn't have open appointments until July.
I'm trying to find out, is it possible that the throat issues I've been having have been because of this potential allergy and the low level of polyester in the clothes I normally wear? I looked at the tags that are still readable on many of my regular wear and almost all of them have between 25-50% polyester in them. Is it possible that the minimum long-term exposure to the low level of polyester if it is an allergic reaction, is the reason my throat feels that way? I'm putting together a couple of sets of clothes and bedsheets that are about as close to 100% cotton as I can just in case, as I try to get answers.
Recently I'd purchased some pants that were made of 100% polyester that I was wearing at work. My legs ended up getting itchy and red, with some scaling. It was really noticed around my knee that I wore a knee brace over the pants. I believe I may have developed an allergy to polyester. I've been trying to see about getting an allergy test to confirm this but when I ask my GP's office, they never get back to me. I've been told by the allergist's office I contacted that they don't actually do the testing and that I would need to see a dermatologist for the test. The only decently rated local dermatologist in the system doesn't have open appointments until July.
I'm trying to find out, is it possible that the throat issues I've been having have been because of this potential allergy and the low level of polyester in the clothes I normally wear? I looked at the tags that are still readable on many of my regular wear and almost all of them have between 25-50% polyester in them. Is it possible that the minimum long-term exposure to the low level of polyester if it is an allergic reaction, is the reason my throat feels that way? I'm putting together a couple of sets of clothes and bedsheets that are about as close to 100% cotton as I can just in case, as I try to get answers.
Male | 45 years old
Complaint duration: 2 plus years (pre covid era start)
1 Answer
Allergist&ImmunologistAllergist-Immunologist
Yes, long-term exposure to an allergen like polyester could potentially cause chronic symptoms, including throat discomfort, lightheadedness, and headaches. Allergies can trigger inflammation in different parts of the body, and textile contact dermatitis (a skin allergy to fabrics) may also cause systemic reactions in some people.
Possible Effects of Long-Term Allergen Exposure:
Skin Reactions – Redness, itching, scaling, or rashes (as seen on your legs).
Respiratory Issues – Throat tightness, irritation, difficulty breathing, or a choking sensation.
Neurological Symptoms – Lightheadedness or headaches due to immune response.
Could Polyester Be the Cause?
If you have a sensitivity to polyester, wearing it regularly may be triggering chronic low-level inflammation, leading to throat swelling. While rare, textile allergies can cause more than just skin irritation—especially if fibers break down over time, releasing chemicals or particles that trigger an immune response.
What You Can Do:
Eliminate Polyester – Switch to 100% cotton clothing, bedsheets, and underwear for a few weeks and see if symptoms improve.
Patch Test at Home – Wear polyester fabric on a small patch of skin for a day and check for reactions.
Try an Antihistamine – If your symptoms improve with antihistamines, it could indicate an allergic response.
Keep Pushing for Testing – A dermatologist or allergist may help confirm the allergy with patch testing.
Since appointments take time, avoiding polyester in the meantime is a smart move. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing an ENT or allergist to rule out other possible causes.
To book an appointment at Irvine Skin, contact Dr. Shafa through the following:
Call us at (949) 551-1113.
Our Address: 113 Waterworks Way 100, Irvine, Orange County, CA, 92618, United States.
Schedule your consultation now: https://irvineskin.com/inquiry-now/
Possible Effects of Long-Term Allergen Exposure:
Skin Reactions – Redness, itching, scaling, or rashes (as seen on your legs).
Respiratory Issues – Throat tightness, irritation, difficulty breathing, or a choking sensation.
Neurological Symptoms – Lightheadedness or headaches due to immune response.
Could Polyester Be the Cause?
If you have a sensitivity to polyester, wearing it regularly may be triggering chronic low-level inflammation, leading to throat swelling. While rare, textile allergies can cause more than just skin irritation—especially if fibers break down over time, releasing chemicals or particles that trigger an immune response.
What You Can Do:
Eliminate Polyester – Switch to 100% cotton clothing, bedsheets, and underwear for a few weeks and see if symptoms improve.
Patch Test at Home – Wear polyester fabric on a small patch of skin for a day and check for reactions.
Try an Antihistamine – If your symptoms improve with antihistamines, it could indicate an allergic response.
Keep Pushing for Testing – A dermatologist or allergist may help confirm the allergy with patch testing.
Since appointments take time, avoiding polyester in the meantime is a smart move. If symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing an ENT or allergist to rule out other possible causes.
To book an appointment at Irvine Skin, contact Dr. Shafa through the following:
Call us at (949) 551-1113.
Our Address: 113 Waterworks Way 100, Irvine, Orange County, CA, 92618, United States.
Schedule your consultation now: https://irvineskin.com/inquiry-now/
