Imagine someone approaching you, only to have them cough, sneeze, and have watery eyes, almost as if you’re a walking bag of allergens. This phenomenon is experienced by individuals with PATM, which stands for “people allergic to me.” The name says it all. Those who suffer from PATM appear to be walking allergens, prompting alleged allergic reactions in anyone who is near them. At least, that’s how it seems.
It’s noteworthy that, as of now, PATM is not classified as a medical condition. Until 2017, it was more of an anecdote shared among individuals discussing their experiences in online forums. Initial reports of PATM emerged in 2007, often dismissed as a psychosomatic issue. Nevertheless, a shift occurred in 2017, when scientists began to pay more attention to these cases.
The idea emerged that these allergic reactions might stem from certain substances found in the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by individuals with PATM. VOCs are gases that all people release through breathing and skin. These compounds provide insight into our diet, consumption habits, and health status. For instance, this phenomenon explains why dogs can be trained to detect certain diseases, just like a past story of someone who could smell her husband’s Parkinson’s disease long before medical tests confirmed it.
Where do VOCs come from?
VOCs result from the chemical reactions integral to our metabolic processes. These reactions depend largely on one’s habits and overall health, releasing unnecessary substances. While some are excreted through urine, others don’t reach that final stage of elimination and instead transform into gases that enter the bloodstream and are later released through breathing or transdermal diffusion. Thus, we are enveloped in a cloud of gases that narrate our individual stories.
What do VOCs have to do with PATM’s allergic reactions?
A study published in 2023 examined the VOCs present on the skin of a group of people with PATM. It identified 75 different gases, most of which are typically found within the normal range of skin VOCs. Yet, there was one particular compound—toluene—that was present in levels four times higher than in non-affected individuals. Toluene is a hydrocarbon commonly found in household products like paints, dyes, detergents, and fuels. This means that we are continuously exposed to it in small amounts. When accumulated, it can be quite toxic, but thankfully, the liver usually metabolizes it effectively, allowing for excretion through urine.
Researchers hypothesize that those with PATM might not have the same metabolic capacity. Although their livers can break down toluene, they may not do so as efficiently, leading to some of it entering the bloodstream and then being released into the environment as VOCs.
This isn’t an allergy
These discoveries suggest that individuals with PATM do not actually cause allergic reactions. What happens to those near them is more akin to irritation of the respiratory system and mucous membranes. This irritation does not respond to antihistamines.
While it may seem logical to explore pharmacological solutions once the underlying issue is identified, currently there is no established treatment. However, adjusting the diet of individuals with PATM has shown promise. For instance, diets high in meat, sugar, or carbohydrates can lead to increased instances of those false allergic reactions in others. In contrast, eliminating dairy and boosting antioxidant intake appears to mitigate the irritative effects.
At least now, there’s a better understanding that these persons aren’t merely imagining it when others cough in their presence. There’s an awkward truth lurking in this experience that continues to be studied, making it an ongoing topic of interest.
