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?
Hello. Thank you for asking at Chat Doctor. I went through your history and would like to make suggestions for you as follows:1. Yes, Children Chat Doctor.  Any many parts of the plants are allergic.2. Pollen of the plant can cause nose, respiratory and eye allergies, upon ingestion of its 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 pollen 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 pollen 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 pollen. (After removal of plant from home, it takes a Food weeks to actually clear pollen 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 Chat Doctor. Wish you the best of the health. Thank you & Regards.