HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do Philodendron Plants Cause Congestion, Itchy Watery Eyes, And Diarrhea?

I live in a house where there are over 7 small philodendron plants hanging from the wall. Since moving in a month ago, I have never touched the plant, but have been experiencing extreme congestion, itchy watery eyes, and diarrhea. The bowel problems began 2 weeks ago, the other symptoms one week ago. Could the philodendron be causing this?
Wed, 10 Sep 2014
Report Abuse
Allergist and Immunologist,  's  Response
Hello.

Thank you for asking at HCM.

I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:

1. Yes, Philodendron is considered an allergic plant. Any many parts of the plants are allergic.

2. Pollens of the plant can cause nose, respiratory and eye allergies, upon ingestion of it's juice, one can get stomach upsets and upon touching the plant, one can get skin allergies.

3. Your observation may be correct, congestion, eye symptoms may well be due to pollens of the plant. I am not sure about diarrhea but it may also be possible as well.

4. To confirm, I would suggest you allergy testing for pollens of the plant.

If this is not possible, I would suggest you to keep plant out of house for a few weeks (8-12 weeks), if your symptoms improve, you could think it was due to allergy to the pollens. (After removal of plant from home, it takes a feww weeks to actually clear pollens from home, that's why it takes longer)

5. Till you have symptoms, I would suggest you to take regular montelukast and levocetirizine.

Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you.

Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM.

Wish you the best of the health.

Thank you & Regards.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Diarrhea


Loading Online Doctors....
Do Philodendron Plants Cause Congestion, Itchy Watery Eyes, And Diarrhea?

Hello. Thank you for asking at HCM. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows: 1. Yes, Philodendron is considered an allergic plant. Any many parts of the plants are allergic. 2. Pollens of the plant can cause nose, respiratory and eye allergies, upon ingestion of it s juice, one can get stomach upsets and upon touching the plant, one can get skin allergies. 3. Your observation may be correct, congestion, eye symptoms may well be due to pollens of the plant. I am not sure about diarrhea but it may also be possible as well. 4. To confirm, I would suggest you allergy testing for pollens of the plant. If this is not possible, I would suggest you to keep plant out of house for a few weeks (8-12 weeks), if your symptoms improve, you could think it was due to allergy to the pollens. (After removal of plant from home, it takes a feww weeks to actually clear pollens from home, that s why it takes longer) 5. Till you have symptoms, I would suggest you to take regular montelukast and levocetirizine. Hope above suggestions will be helpful to you. Should you have any further query, please feel free to ask at HCM. Wish you the best of the health. Thank you & Regards.