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Allergy and Environmental Illness

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Functional Illness of the Head and Neck

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Abstract

Allergic symptoms are quite common, but some underlying pathological mechanisms may not follow the traditional allergy pathways, and therefore treatment may be difficult. Urban air pollution, closed spaces and buildings with poor air quality may contribute greatly to the development and sometimes worsening of those symptoms. Occupational exposure to toxins and sick-building syndrome symptoms may be improved by air filtration and ventilation. Noise and sound pollution interfere with sleep and can further impair physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to those external physical factors, stress in the work environment causes mental health illnesses, burnout, and pre-existing medical ailments may be exacerbated. Raising awareness of toxic places and situations, the development of safety protocols and coping strategies should be implemented in every work environment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan Ear Institute, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

    Ilka C. Nauman

  2. Oakland University Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills, MI, USA

    Ilka C. Nauman

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  1. Ilka C. Nauman
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Otolaryngology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Brian W. Blakley

  2. Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    Joan E. Blakley

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Nauman, I.C. (2023). Allergy and Environmental Illness. In: Blakley, B.W., Blakley, J.E. (eds) Functional Illness of the Head and Neck. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12998-8_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12998-8_5

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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