Sounds weird

Published

I have noticed in the last few weeks, at work, that every time I use the foam hand sanitizer or use alcohol I start coughing. It feels like it's going right to my lungs. I know it sounds weird.

Anyone else experience this?

kurlykay

52 Posts

Specializes in Tele, ICU, CCU, teaching.

A few of my coworkers and I were complaining to one of our docs that we always have allergy symptoms at work and not at home. He said it could be the hand sanatizer as he has seen this reaction many times because of the harsh chemicals. We started only using soap and water washes and the allergy problem went away.

rnrae

92 Posts

Thank-you, KurlyKay! Glad I wasn't imagining it!

I also notice that as soon as I enter the building my nose starts running like a faucet. There is such a thing as "Sick building syndrome".

EmmaG, RN

2,999 Posts

A few of my coworkers and I were complaining to one of our docs that we always have allergy symptoms at work and not at home. He said it could be the hand sanatizer as he has seen this reaction many times because of the harsh chemicals. We started only using soap and water washes and the allergy problem went away.
It does it to me, too. I hate that stuff.

TexasPediRN

898 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics Only.

Everytime I use the sanitizing gel I end up coughing.

It never fails..

I switch back and forth between soap and water and the gel, and carry lotion around so I dont smell the gel and cough.

Glad im not the only one!!

P_RN, ADN, RN

6,011 Posts

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89. Has 30 years experience.

I noticed that too at my husband's gastro docs office. It smells like the stuff mechanics wash up with. I say stay with a nice soap. Those alcohol bubbles popping can certainly aerosolize it.

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN

1 Article; 2,396 Posts

Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I find that from time to time, going in and out, I start feeling worse as the night goes on...my nose/eyes start burning...I start coughing from time to time....then I switch to soap/water and they go away...sometimes, you just don't have that time for soap&water though....so you're stuck with the gel...

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