Possible allergy

I have been battling bronchitis and pneumonia since about Christmas. We are thinking allergy. I know I can't be around kerosene, and dust seems to stir up the allergies, but what about pellet stoves? This is the first time this has happened to me and we've burned the pellet stove more than we did last year (first year we had it). Is it possible to be allergic to the pellet stove stuff? It's not as bad as a fireplace or wood stsove, but we do get some soot and ash. It seems that since I sat next to it a few days ago, the symptoms are coming back. I feel like a prisoner. I have to sit in the kitchen where I fortunately have a small tv while my husband gets the living room. Is this possible, though? (I also have MS and lupus)

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Yes, it is possible to be allergic to dust, soot and ash. You can wear a mask available in the markets to overcome inhaling such allergens. Do not sit too close to the pellet stove. Regularly vacuum clean. What is important is you must find out what is causing this allergy. Common allergens are pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, synthetic fiber, cosmetics or drugs. You must get an allergy test done, either a skin test or RAST, to know what you all are allergic to.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!