Are you ‘allergic to work’? GP reveals everything you need to know about Sick Building Syndrome

People may joke about being “allergic to work” or going into the office, but can a building actually make you sick? According to doctors, yes, they can. Called “sick building syndrome”, it involves developing a host of symptoms while you’re inside a particular building, which resolve when you leave again or make other changes to the environment.

It may sound strange, or hard to prove, but this is a legitimate condition that is recognised by the NHS. We caught up with qualified GP Dr Kathryn Basford to learn more about the possible causes of sick building syndrome, and what you should do if you think you might be experiencing it.

The causes and symptoms of sick building syndrome

So what signs should you be on the lookout for? Symptoms can be similar to mild allergic reactions, with the only difference being that they are in response to a particular building or environment.

“Sick building syndrome (SBS) is the name given to a host of symptoms you can develop in a particular building that continue to get worse the longer you’re in the building, and get better once you leave. Possible symptoms include headaches, a blocked or runny nose, dry skin, dry and sore eyes or throat, coughing, rashes, and tiredness or difficulty concentrating,” Dr Bashford explains.

“It’s important to note that these symptoms are common and can be caused by a variety of things, and are unlikely to point towards SBS if you have them all the time, or in lots of different places.”

What can make resolving the issue more complex is that the causes are typically unclear. “The cause of SBS isn’t exactly clear, but it could be a result of a combination of factors, such as poor ventilation and indoor air quality, contaminants like dust or smoke, bright or flickering lights, and even high-stress environments. Sick building syndrome usually happens in an office, but you can get it in any building,” the GP shares.

How to resolve sick building syndrome

Thankfully, there are some things you can do if you notice that you are reacting in this way within a particular building – and it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to quit your job. 

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“If you are noticing symptoms, you should try to improve ventilation immediately by opening windows and ensuring regular cleaning to remove any dust or mould. Updating computer monitors and display systems in an office, as well as adjusting poor lighting, can also help to ease any physical symptoms like headaches, eye strain, and fatigue,” the doctor says.

Meanwhile, making a few key changes to your routine – such as taking regular breaks – may be beneficial. “It can be quite difficult to tell whether the space you’re in is causing your symptoms, but there are some preventative measures you can take, like having regular breaks outside, looking away from your computer to give your eyes a break, and standing from your desk and walking around when possible,” she adds. “Over-the-counter pain relief can help with headaches, and antihistamines can help to manage symptoms like dry and itchy eyes, throat, or skin.”

Talking to your employer is also important if you are experiencing symptoms in the workplace, Dr Bashford says. “If you think you have sick building syndrome at work, you should speak to your employer. If you get symptoms in another building, try to speak to the owner or manager, who should look into the problem and try to find a solution. It’s important to consult your doctor if symptoms persist.”