Why Americans Lie at Work About Their Allergy Agony

Allergy suffers are hiding their symptoms from their employers and even lying to their bosses, according to new research.

The study of 2,000 Americans examined the common feelings associated with having allergy symptoms and how they affect both personal and working lives.

Results showed a certain stigma exists around suffering with allergies – as many as 47 percent of allergy sufferers feel ashamed and guilty for taking time off work due to their symptoms.

As further one in five have even lied to their boss when taking a day off work to tend to their allergy symptoms. The most common reasons: Fear of embarrassment and to avoid appearing weak in their boss' eyes.

The study (conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Trane Residential) explored the stigma, impact, and ways of coping with allergy symptoms. Results revealed that that the majority (54 percent) of those who lied to their boss about taking a day off due to terrible allergy symptoms did so because they didn't think it would be viewed as a legitimate reason to call in sick.

Americans are harboring these shameful feelings for a variety of reasons. More than half (51 percent) feel there's a perception that allergy symptoms are not to be viewed as serious.

It transpires that 29 percent have even taken more than one day off work to deal with allergy symptoms in the comfort of their own home.

Beyond taking days off from work, allergy sufferers also lose sleep as a result of their allergies. In fact, the average allergy-sufferer will go through six sleepless nights and spend four nights sleeping in the spare room.

"What you can't see in your home – small dust particles, pet dander, pollen, and airborne bacteria – can have a major impact on your comfort, health, and work performance," said Jay Ayers, product manager for Trane Residential Indoor Air Quality solutions. "It's very important to evaluate a home's indoor air quality on a holistic basis. Look at ways to control the amount of allergens in your space by controlling sources like dust mites, outside pollens, tobacco and candle smoke, and not storing paints or chemicals inside the house."

Allergy symptoms are no joke and can last quite a while. Turns out, the average allergy sufferer will experience symptoms for 11 days of the month. Respondents who suffered with allergies reported enduring symptoms for a third (37 percent) of an entire month during allergy season.

But what exactly are the various symptoms that allergy sufferers have to deal with on the regular come allergy season? It just so happens that the number one complaint from allergy sufferers is sneezing, with 81 percent reporting that they experience this symptom during allergy season.

The other reason allergy sufferers are losing out on quality shut eye is due to coughing- as 52 percent of the allergy sufferers surveyed revealed that to be the main culprit of their sleepless nights.

Another 48 percent blame their runny nose for the lack of sleep, while 57 percent blame stuffiness for their poor sleep.

But poor sleep isn't the only thing that allergy sufferers have to deal with during allergy season, which extends from January and can linger into November. However, that all depends on where you live. That being said, the results revealed that April 12 is the worst day for those who suffer with allergies.

In fact, 35 percent of those surveyed revealed spring to be the worst season for their allergy symptoms. The majority of Americans seem to be suffering with allergy symptoms as soon as allergy season rolls around. In fact, 74 percent of Americans experience allergy symptoms during the season.

And of those who experience even a slight allergy symptom, 59 percent experience what they describe as moderate levels of symptoms while another one in 10 experience severe symptoms.

"Although allergies can be unpredictable, the most effective way to reduce indoor pollutants is by installing a good whole house allergy filter or a whole house air cleaner.," said Ayers.