Many people feel they are "allergic" to perfumes,
fragrant lotions, or cleaning products when they develop a stuffy nose, headaches, or runny watery eyes and nose. This is generally a non-allergic phenomenon, however, and is due to the irritant effect of strong odors or chemicals on the nasal lining.
Avoidance is the best treatment for this -- steer clear of department store greeters wielding perfume samples, and avoid using household cleansers with strong odors. A HEPA filter may help remove pollutants from the air in your home as well. There are also safe medications that can help in more severe cases.
