Although I use scented candles and air fresheners occasionally, I generally prefer to be scent-free. I use perfume sparingly and buy the most neutral-smelling laundry detergent. For me, it's just a personal preference, but for others, scents can be overpowering and may leave them in sneezing fits that could even lead to migraines. This kind of over-sensitivity to smells may be symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. However, according to Dr. Ephraim Thaller, of the Central Texas Allergy and Asthma Center in Waco, nonallergic rhinitis may especially take a toll on those who already have allergies.

The treatments for nonallergic rhinitis aren't really satisfactory, McMahan said. The best defense may simply be to try to avoid the irritants. This can mean anything from switching to unscented soaps and detergents to asking the cleaning crew at your office to take it easy on the air fresheners and scented cleaning supplies.

A saline nasal spray and over-the-counter antihistamine may help as well, McMahan said.

Thaller said getting your allergies under control can also help decrease your sensitivity to irritants.

The article also touches the issue of multiple chemical sensitivity, a concept that is still under dispute.